Build4People

Build4People is thrilled to announce the publication of the Planning and Design Guideline “Social Inclusion & Local Economy“, a key element of the B4P Transformation Toolbox, the central output product of Build4People’s Research and Development Phase (2021–2025). Co-publisher is the Cambodian Institute for Urban Studies.

The rationale behind this guideline publication is Phnom Penh’s highly dynamic development as a central hub for business, industry, education and cultural heritage. Cambodia’s largest city has become an economic powerhouse, attracting both local and international businesses. From our viewpoint all this should be considered as a unique opportunity to leverage sustainable development as an integrative part of the city. By flourishing and committing to shared goals, stakeholders can create neighbourhoods and cities that are thriving, resilient and equitable for all.

That is why Build4People calls for integrating social inclusion and local economic strategies into new neighbourhoods which brings significant economic, social and environmental benefits. For private developers, for example, it enhances market resilience and investment appeal, while for public authorities, it strengthens economic value and social cohesion. Strategies such as social housing, diverse building typologies and vibrant public spaces create dynamic, livable communities, generating additional social advantages. By fostering inclusive economic growth, local entrepreneurship, and active public spaces, these approaches benefit residents, businesses and policymakers alike.

For example, this guideline calls for well-designed public spaces, combined with commercial, social infrastructure and a variety of housing typologies, which offer a unique chance to meet current market demands while fostering sustainable urban development. This approach not only supports vibrant communities but also invites investment by addressing diverse needs in a balanced urban ecosystem.

Build4People would like to express its deep gratitude to the lead authors of the planning and design guideline “Social Inclusion & Local Economy“, Nuria Roig and Oliver Lambrecht, at the time of writing both employees of the urban architecture and design practice Eble Messerschmidt Partner (EMP), based in Tübingen, Germany, a trusted Build4People project partner from its early beginnings in 2017.

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Reviewers of this guideline were Dr. Michael Waibel from the Department Geography at the Stiftung Universität Hildesheim, Germany, Rolf Messerschmidt from the urban architecture and design practice @Eble Messerschmidt Partner (EMP), based in Tübingen, Germany, as well as Prof. Dr. Tep Makathy, General Director of the Cambodian Institute of Urban Studies (CIUS), based in Phnom Penh, and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (FAUP-PUC).

#Build4People #BMFTR_SUREregions #sustainableneighbourhoods #placemaking #citiesforpeople #inclusiveurbandevelopment #sustainableurbantransformation #socialinclusion #fosteringlocaleconomy #affordablehousing

Build4People team members from the Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck have recently published an article (in German language) at the journal “Transforming Cities” about inclusive urban development.

It raises the question how inclusive are our public spaces in cities really? The example of Wat Phnom Park in Phnom Penh illustrates how accessibility, mobility equity, social participation, and safety are often neglected in urban planning – despite existing development plans. An architectural walk with students reveals physical and social barriers to access and shows why user-centered planning is so important. The article combines theoretical concepts such as mobility equity and the creation of spaces for all with concrete on-site observations and provides inspiration for urban and open space planning that takes diversity seriously – not only in Germany, but also in Cambodian cities.

Download link of this publication:
https://build4people.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/04-4_Praxis_u_Projekte_Architekturspaziergang.pdf

Suggested citation:
Ho, B. T., Karagianni, C., May, S., Schwede, D. (2025). Architekturspaziergang in Wat Phnom – Öffentliche Räume neu denken. Transforming Cities. Issue 9/2, 34-39. DOI: 10.24053/TC-2024-0014.

Build4People is thrilled to announce the publication of the Planning and Design Guideline “Climate Protection & Energy Flows “, a key element of the B4P Transformation Toolbox, the central output product of Build4People’s Research and Development Phase (2021–2025). Co-publisher is the Cambodian Institute for Urban Studies.

As the building and construction sector remains to be one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) globally, accounting of 34% of emissions in 2023, this guideline is focussing on approaches to reduce the ecological footprint of buildings, from the early design states on, till the re-use of construction materials after the building’s demolition.

The guideline’s suggestions to adopt more sustainable building practices go therefore beyond mere energy efficiency but include holistic strategies that integrate passive design, renewable energy solutions, and careful material selection. While operational carbon (emissions from building use) must be minimized, embodied carbon (emissions from construction materials) also plays a decisive role. As buildings move toward net-zero energy operation, their ecological impact increasingly depends on resource-efficient materials and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies.

In this way, our guideline provides actionable recommendations for practitioners and local authorities in Phnom Penh, supporting Cambodia’s sustainable energy transition. By combining energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration and low-carbon materials, these measures contribute to a resilient, climate-neutral urban future. Through collaboration and policy alignment, Phnom Penh can advance its sustainability goals while fostering healthier, more adaptive living environments for its residents.

Build4People would like to express its deep gratitude to the two lead authors of the planning and design guideline “Climate Protection & Energy Flows“, Julie Robles, regional manager of the Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) project at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Cambodia, and Dr. Kimnenh Taing, researcher at LUCID, University of Liège, and lecturer at the Institute of Technology Cambodia (ITC).

Reviewers of this guideline were Dr. Michael Waibel from the Department Geography at the Stiftung Universität Hildesheim, Germany, and Rolf Messerschmidt from the urban architecture and design practice Eble Messerschmidt Partner (EMP), based in Tübingen, Germany.

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#Build4People #BMFTR_SUREregions #sustainableneighbourhoods #circulareconomy #lifecycleorientateddesign #lifecycleassessment #buildingaudits #minimumenergyperformancestandards #passivedesignstrategies #AsiaLowCarbonBuildings

Build4People is thrilled to announce the publication of the Planning and Design Guideline “Integrated Urban Design“, a key element of the B4P Transformation Toolbox, the central output product of Build4People’s Research and Development Phase (2021–2025). Co-publisher is the Cambodian Institute for Urban Studies.

Integrated urban design focuses on creating spaces that are practical, welcoming, and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), making cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It integrates various aspects of neighbourhood life, such as housing, public spaces, and services, to ensure neighbourhood meet residents’ needs while promoting social equity and environmental well-being. Thereby, the understanding the unique character of a place, including its culture, history, and social makeup, plays a vital role in shaping sustainable urban areas.

Against this backdrop, the planning and design guideline “Integrated Urban Design“ provides a practical framework to implement such sustainable urban neighbourhoods. The approaches introduced are adapted to the local context and are particularly based on the experiences made in regard of the Build4People Ecocity Transition Lab series conducted in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Target groups are urban planners and architects, policymakers, local government officials and corporate representatives from local developer companies. Successful implementation is expected to result in more sustainable and liveable urban neighbourhoods offering connectivity, adequate building density, social infrastructure, a balanced mix of uses, vibrant public places, and finally harmonious urban transitions.

Build4People would like to express its deep gratitude to the lead authors of the planning and design guideline “Integrated Urban Design“, Nuria Roig, Oliver Lambrecht, and Rolf Messerschmidt, all from the urban architecture and design practice Eble Messerschmidt Partner (EMP), based in Tübingen, Germany, a trusted Build4People project partner from its early beginnings in 2017. Reviewers of this guideline were Dr. Michael Waibel from the Department Geography at the University of Hildesheim, Germany, and Prof. Dr. Tep Makathy, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia.

Click on following graph to download the planning and design guideline “Integrated Urban Design“:

Build4People #BMFTR_SUREregions #EbleMesserschmidtPartner #integratedurbandesign #integratedurbandevelopment #citiesforpeople #vibrantpublicplaces #balancedmixofuses #sustainableneighbourhoods