On 9 December 2024, a Science Workshop on the topic “Design of the RUPP Campus from the Student’s Perspective” was held at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Center (CKCC) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).
The workshop was led by Master’s student Agnes Hütte from Magdeburg University, Germany. Agnes is part of the Build4People Work Package “Behaviour Change.” Her stay in Phnom Penh got funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Her research in regard of preparation and translation got supported by the student assistant Thou Punleu from Royal University of Phnom Penh.
The workshop was part of a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) – a participative research method used to understand how users perceive a certain place and whether their needs and expectations are met by the environment. Based on these findings, changes can be implemented to better adapt the place to its users, thereby improving the overall quality of stay and, ideally, their perceived quality of life.
The aim of the workshop was to explore how RUPP students perceive the outdoor areas of their campus and what ideas or wishes they have in regard of the design of the campus, to make further improvements and better meet the needs of its users.
During the session the students were asked to reflect on various outdoor areas of the RUPP campus, which were presented in the form of a photo gallery. The photos featured locations such as the basketball and football courts, roads and walkways, seating areas, as well as the ponds. First, the students individually wrote down their impressions and experiences with these places on various topics such as comfort, aesthetics, and walkability. These notes were then discussed in small groups, allowing for a deeper exchange of perspectives among the participants.
After discussing the current state of the campus, the focus was then shifted to its future design. The participants were asked to get creative and design their ideal campus on posters. Afterwards, the students presented their ideas to the other participants.
Based on the results of the workshop, the focus of the POE was directed toward the main pond area, where interviews with students and staff were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of this space.
The Build4People team would like to express its sincere gratitude to the RUPP team and all faculty leaders who supported the invitation process, as well as to all participants for their valuable contributions and creative input.
