On 21 October 2026, Build4People held a fruitful strategic exchange with the TP Moral Group (TPMG), a leading Cambodian property development company to explore how sustainability can be further integrated into the planning and development of urban neighbourhoods in Cambodia.
A key focus was the potential application of the Build4People Transformation Toolbox (B4P TTB) and its Neighbourhood Evaluation Criteria (NEC) to the Quay Mekong Riverfront City development in Phnom Penh.
The initial application of the evaluation criteria to Quay Mekong project demonstrated how the B4P TTB can help identify existing strengths, highlight opportunities for optimisation and increase transparency regarding the neighbourhoodβs sustainability performance. As Rolf Messerschmidt put it in the meeting, the overarching aim is to βraise the barβfor sustainable neighbourhood development in urban Cambodia by using the NEC to promote higher sustainability standards and encourage continuous improvement.
The assessment covers key dimensions of sustainable neighbourhood development, including:
π±Integrated urban design and a balanced mix of land uses
π§ Blue-green infrastructure and climate resilience
πΆ Sustainable urban mobility and accessible public spaces
π‘οΈ Climate-responsive architecture and energy efficiency
π€ Social inclusion, affordable housing and local economic opportunities
ποΈ Governance and public participation
The exchange also explored how digital technologies can strengthen the toolbox. Planned approaches include an interactive digital platform, links to design and evaluation tools, and the potential use of 3D environments and simulations to assess planning options and visualise sustainability criteria.
An important next step is to further test and refine the criteria in cooperation with development partners and relevant public authorities, with a view to integrating them into planning and building approval procedures in Cambodia. One approach will be to use an online evaluation tool developed by Build4People.
This work will be further advanced during the upcoming Build4People project team mission to Cambodia in early December 2026.
cWe greatly appreciate TP Moral Construction and Development Groupβs engagement and openness to exploring ways to enhance the sustainability of urban development. By connecting research, planning practice, digital innovation and public-sector cooperation, Build4People aims to turn sustainability principles into tangible improvements in the quality of urban life.