PhD in Art of Building and Urban Planning
Current position: Researcher at the Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
Research focus: water-sensitive urban design
In addition to her doctoral studies, Catalina is a founding member of the Risk and Architecture Workshop Association, where she organises conferences and workshops on the role of urban design in flood protection and mitigation. Currently, Catalina is working on the participatory action research project entitled “Brussels sensitive to water” (Brusseau). The project explores the different forms in which citizens can become engaged in stormwater management.
2014 Research Fellow PhD scholarship, Fund for Scientific Research FNRS, Belgium
2013 1st Prize Poster, International Student Conference on Environment and Sustainability, Tongji University, China
2013 Mini-Arc PhD scholarship, Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
CV as submitted for the Green Talents award (2015):
Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
Research focus: investigating evaluation tools for integrating the concept of water sensitivity in the urban planning process
For the past two years, Catalina Dobre has honed her original studies in Architecture so that she may contribute to the process of change in water management practices. Her work provides new reflections and knowledge from the fields of urban planning and design.
Catalina’s research is evidence of the real creativity that can be found in science. As an architect and a doctoral researcher, she can apply her understanding of infrastructure to scientific projects. For the past two years, this research has entailed contributing to the process of change in water management practices. Currently working towards her PhD in Belgium, Catalina’s work is specifically contributing to her local area. She is studying Brussels’ troubles with urban flooding and water pollution in order to assist municipalities in their attempts to develop a sustainable urban environment. Her research is also examining the concept of a Water Sensitive City (WSC). An initiative that began in Australia, where the maintenance of water resources is of paramount importance, a Water Sensitive City is developed to minimise tension between urban infrastructure and water supplies.
The essence and achievements of Catalina’s work can be found in its interdisciplinary nature. Catalina says, “I plan to contribute to the scientific debate on the role of architectural and urban design knowledge and practice to enhance the urban environment and to raise awareness among architecture students on the importance of integrating risk and water management practices in their design process.”In addition to her doctoral studies, Catalina is a founding member of the Risk and Architecture Workshop Association (RAW). In this role, she organises conferences and workshops in the fields of risk management and urban planning.
Germany’s pioneering role in establishing sustainable storm water management practices was what initially attracted Catalina to the Green Talents Forum. She believes that it will be valuable for her own research to understand how Germany implemented policies, techniques and urban design into their planning projects.
The jury lauded Catalina’s commitment to and successful application of a range of disciplines in her research work.
