Build4People

Build4People is very happy about the continued infusion of its transformative approaches into the Master Program in Urban and Regional Planning at Royal University of Agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Tep Makathy, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia and Director of the Cambodian Institute of Urban Studies, is currently teaching the 2^nd batch of students of this innovative course.

His course unit “Sustainable Urban Transformation” applies key principles of the B4P Transformation Toolbox, developed to support the Phnom Penh Capital Administration in implementing more sustainable urban neighbourhoods.

B4P Transformation Toolbox components include Neighbourhood Evaluation Criteria, the planning and design guidelines Integrated Urban Design,  Blue-Green Infrastructure, Sustainable Urban Mobility, Climate Protection & Energy Flows, Social Inclusion & Local Economy and Governance & Participation.

The course covers the fundamental principles of Build4People, such as the inclusion of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives, a comprehensive understanding of urban planning as a transformative communication process involving multiple stakeholders, and a general advocacy for putting people and sustainability at the center.

All in all, it should be emphasized that the integration of Build4People’s comprehensive transformative formats into the curricula of local master’s programs, such as at the Royal University of Agriculture, is considered an extremely valuable and sustainable outcome for the Build4People project, as the continuation of the Build4People project approaches is expected to have long-term effects even after the end of project funding by the BMFTR.

#Build4People #BMFTR_SUREregions #sustainableurbantransformation #citiesforpeople #capacitydevelopment #curriculumdevelopment #livinglab #integratedurbandesign #measuringsustainability #neighbourhoodevaluationcriteria

Build4People is very much thrilled to announce the publication of a key component of the B4P Transformation Toolbox, the Neighbourhood Evaluation Criteria, both in English and in Khmer language.

This is the first tool available in Cambodia 🇰🇭 to measure sustainability of urban neighborhoods. For example, its application enables state authorities to select the design proposal with the best sustainability performance.

In a country where urban development is overwhelmingly privatized, this is a major achievement. In this way, the Build4People Neighbourhood Evaluation Criteria contribute to transparency and reduce prevalent greenwashing.

The Build4People Neighbourhood Evaluation Criteria publication contains 24 criteria and about 100 indicators in total to enhance sustainability qualities for new neighbourhoods. These are summarized by means of 14 minimum sustainability indicators covering the whole portfolio of urban sustainability from integrated urban design, sustainable urban mobility, blue-green infrastructure, climate protection, local economic development, social inclusion and governance and participation.

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Publications

It is important to know that right now, the indicators and criteria are not set into stone but will undergo iterative context-sensitive testing.

Among others, we will facilitate the experimental implementation of the Build4People Neighbourhood Evaluation Criteria in March 2026 by means of an urban lab (the so-called B4P Transition Manufactory) together with Phnom Penh Capital Hall. Thereby, the main goal is to develop criteria-based design proposals illustrated by a dynamic 3D urban neighbourhood model. We will share more information on this exciting transformative approach in the weeks to come.

Build4People would like to express its deep gratitude to Eble Messerschmidt Partner, particularly to Rolf Messerschmidt, Oliver Lambrecht, Núria Roig and to DGNB, the German Sustainable Building Council, particularly to Dr. Stephan Anders, and to the Cambodian Institute for Urban Studies, particularly to Tep Makathy and Kul Socheata for their strong support to develop this meaningful product and also for their dedicated translation efforts.

The Cambodian Institute for Urban Studies is also a co-publisher of this guideline and major stakeholder of its local dissemination. Thanks also to Martin Aerne and to Michael Waibel for their thorough reviewing support.

#Build4People#BMFTR_SUREregions#sustainableneighbourhoods#sustainabilitycriteria

The festive season is upon us, and we at Build4People are also getting ready
for the holidays. We will be taking a short break over the coming days
to enjoy this special time with our loved ones.

🌟 Here’s to a successful and peaceful New Year! 🌟

Stay healthy and enjoy the festive season. We look forward to starting
the New Year with fresh energy and many new creative ideas.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Feel warmly invited to have a look at the most recent Build4People video clips documenting select key activities of our Build4People team during our mission to Phnom Penh, Cambodia 🇰🇭 in December 2025.

Documentation of Build4People Transformation Workshop “Citizen Science Tools”, RUPP, 02 Dec 2025: https://youtu.be/QL4d5sdAvW8 🚀

Build4People lecture and training about digital urban planning and participation tools, 03 Dec 2025: https://youtu.be/YRNxqeiDr8g 🚀

Documentation of B4P Implementation Phase Kick-off Conference at PP Smart City Hub, 04 December 2025: https://youtu.be/Tfoo3fxZqyI 🚀

We regard the transparent dissemination about Build4People’s activities via our YouTube Channel 🫂 as key component of our science communication and outreach strategy. We also consider this a sign of good scientific practice.

If you want know more about our transformative approaches to support sustainable urban development, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Your kind interest is very much appreciated. 🙏 💛 🙏

#Build4People #BMFTR_SUREregion #sciencecommunication #sciencesocietytransfer #goodscientificpractice #scientifictransparency #scientificoutreach