Build4People Science Workshop “B4P Transformation Toolbox” at the Royal University of Phnom Penh

On 27 May 2025, the Build4People Science Workshop “B4P Transformation Toolbox” took place at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Centre (CKCC) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). This vibrant gathering of Cambodian and international experts was jointly organised and hosted by the Build4People Work Packages “Behaviour Change”, “Sustainable Neighbourhoods” and “Sustainable Urban Transformation”. 

The workshop aimed to introduce and discuss the B4P Transformation Toolbox (TTB) with local stakeholders. This tangible product is the result of the collaborative efforts of the Build4People team and compromises which several interconnected components, including guidelines, manuals, applications, and capacity-building materials designed to foster sustainable neighbourhood development in urban Cambodia. 

Special focus was placed on the TTB guideline “Governance and Participation”. In this context, the participants were introduced to the method of post-occupancy-evaluation (POE), a process which allows to assess the performance and effectiveness of a built environment, such as a building. To gain a deeper understanding of the method, participants had the opportunity to experience an exemplary POE exercise with a spatial focus on the RUPP campus during the workshop.    

Following opening remarks from Dr Nyda Chhinh (RUPP), Prof Dr Serey Sok (RUPP) and Dr Michael Waibel(Build4People Consortium Representative), the workshop kicked off with an in-depth introduction to the TTB. Key presentations included:

  • Rolf Messerschmidt outlining the general concept of the TTB.
  • Bunleng Se & Dr Nyda Chhinh presenting on climate-responsive urban design as part of the B4P guideline “Blue-Green Infrastructure”.
  • Dr Anke Blöbaum introducing the B4P guideline “Governance and Participation”.
  • Lena Löffeler highlighting the opportunities of inclusive urban transformation as integral part of the B4P guideline “Governance and Participation”.

Later on, the workshop explored the digitalisation perspectives of the TTB, with contributions from: Anja Jannak (TU Dresden) and Yannick Müller (CityLAB Berlin). 

This outlook was followed by an engaging, hands-on session led by Dr Anke Blöbaum on the POE methodology. The theoretical session was complemented by a practical group work and a reflection slot facilitated by Andreas Deuß. 

The workshop concluded with forward-looking closing remarks by Dr Michael Waibel. 

The event ended with a joint lunch at CKCC enabling all workshop attendees to further exchange perspectives 

A heartfelt thank-you to all speakers and participants, and especially to our hosts at CKCC and RUPP for making this collaborative event possible 🙏🧡

#Build4People #UrbanTransformation #SustainableCities #Cambodia #RUPP #ScienceWorkshop#InterdisciplinaryResearch #GreenUrbanDevelopment #BMFTR_SUREregions