On 10 March 2026, the Build4People Transformation Workshop took place at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Centre (CKCC) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). This event was jointly organised and hosted by the Build4People team and the Royal University of Phnom Penh and brought together Cambodian and international experts.
The primary objective of this workshop was to discuss further steps for the continued development of digital applications to support scientific research and teaching at RUPP.
Particular focus was placed on the newly developed RUPP-B4P Thermal Comfort App. Results from recent field testing were presented, and students developed ideas on how to visualize the current survey results. In addition, participants discussed potential future applications of the RUPP-B4P Citizen Science App as both a teaching and research tool.
The RUPP-B4P Thermal Comfort App facilitates the collection of subjective thermal comfort data linked to participants locations and the parallel measurement of objective data like air temperature and humidity. This allows for the analysis of relationships between different datasets.
In general, the implementation of citizen science approaches enables citizens of Phnom Penh to actively participate in urban planning and transformation processes, while also providing researchers with a robust analytical tool with which to explore subjective perceptions.
Following opening remarks from Dr Michael Waibel (Build4People Consortium Representative), the workshop began with a presentation by Dr Anke Blöbaum on the potential of the RUPP-B4P Citizen Science App as a tool for science and participation.
Afterwards, Var Sovanndara (RUPP-IT) presented the current status of the app development and demonstrated the already operational data dashboard. Dr Michael Waibel then introduced the concept of the B4P Transition Manufactories as a collaborative format for integrated urban planning during the Implementation Phase of the B4P project. During the subsequent discussion session, participants reflected on the potential role of the RUPP team in supporting the upcoming Transition Manufactories and explored opportunities for further collaboration. The discussion was facilitated by Assistant Prof Dr Bunleng Se.
After a short break, Bunleng Se shared results from recent field testing in the Borey Peng Huoth residential area located in Chbar Ambov district. The empirical study combines objective measurements of local climate conditions with subjective assessments of thermal comfort and highlights the potential of nature-based solutions to improve the local microclimate and urban livability.
Following this presentation, students worked on developing ideas for possible output products to visualize survey results on urban climate in preparation for the B4P Transition Manufactory 2026. After presenting their ideas, a discussion took place on further applications of the RUPP-B4P Citizen Science App for both teaching and research, facilitated by Dr Anke Blöbaum.
Dr Michael Waibel’s forward-looking closing remarks brought the workshop to a close. The event concluded with a joint vegetarian lunch at CKCC, providing a great opportunity for participants to continue their discussions and to exchange perspectives.
Our heartfelt thank-you goes to all speakers and participants, and particularly to the hosts at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Centre and the Royal University of Phnom Penh for making this collaborative event possible 😍.
#Build4People #SustainableUrbanTransformation #SustainableCities #Cambodia #RUPP #ScienceWorkshop #InterdisciplinaryResearch #GreenUrbanDevelopment #CitizenScience #CitizenScienceApp #CitiesforPeople #PublicParticipation #BMFTR_SUREregions