Daria Malchykova
Fellow 2025/2026
Geography
Kherson State University
Volkswagen Stiftung
darina1378@gmail.com
Bio
Daria Malchykova holds academic degree of Doctor of Science (Geography) and the academic title of Professor of the Department of Economic and Social Geography, more than 20 years of experience in research and educational practice. Her research and professional interests are in the field of human geography, local and regional development, and spatial planning.
In 2022, when Russia began its large-scale military aggression, together with colleagues she made every effort to ensure the resilience and resistance of the academic community of Kherson State University. She remained in the occupied area until July of 2022 but eventually had to leave it. She currently resides in the Ivano-Frankivsk region as an internally displaced person and continue to engage in research activities, educational and administrative work. Taking into account the terrible consequences of the war in Ukraine, in particular in her native Kherson region, she focuses on issues of regional and local spatial policy and practice amidst conflict, reconstruction of territories after extreme disasters and catastrophes, and recovery of war-torn communities as well.
Some of this research findings were presented at the Workshop ‘Panorama Ukraine: Working on Water’ (as Lecture and Floating expert) at the International Architecture Biennale (27 November, 2023 – 01 December, 2023), Rotterdam, Netherlands, as well as during participation in the 2024 BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Programme (15 September 2024 - 15 October, 2024) at the panel discussion ‘Wartime Disaster and Resurgence in Ukraine: Human and Spatial Dimensions’ (Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University, 09 October, 2024), at the 3rd international symposium "Rebuilding a place to call home: The future of spatial planning in Ukraine" (1-2 November 2024, Lviv, Ukraine).
War-forged spaces and people: (non)sustainability of transformed everyday practices and the reconception of urban planning
The project examines the war’s impact on Ukrainian hromadas, urban spaces, and everyday practices, aiming to support post-war recovery. Its mission is to connect knowledge and share experiences to strengthen communities.
Key objectives:
- Analyse demographic shifts and spatial effects of large-scale aggression in war-affected regions.
- Identify post-war recovery challenges through case studies of settlements and propose new urban policy approaches.
- Reconsider recovery strategies via perspectives of urban policy, spatial design, and community resilience.
- Promote awareness of shared values and best planning practices for recovery.
Methodology combines qualitative (interviews, observations) and quantitative (statistics, spatial analysis) research, with a case-study focus on de-occupied hromadas. Issues explored include settlement transformation, socio-spatial simplification, demographic changes, and economic recovery challenges.
Using Kherson hromada as an example, the project studies adaptation under war: shifts in social needs, limited resource access, rise of local activism, transformation of public spaces, and simplified personal needs under daily shelling.
The research will deepen understanding of long-term war consequences and inform effective recovery strategies. Results will benefit authorities, residents, scholars, students, and humanitarian organizations.