New Khmer Architecture
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New Khmer Architecture () was an architectural movement in
Cambodia Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. It is bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east, and has a coastline ...
during the 1950s and 1960s. The style blended elements of the
Modern movement Modernism was an early 20th-century movement in literature, visual arts, and music that emphasized experimentation, abstraction, and Subjectivity and objectivity (philosophy), subjective experience. Philosophy, politics, architecture, and soc ...
with two distinctly Cambodian traditions: the great Khmer tradition of
Angkor Angkor ( , 'capital city'), also known as Yasodharapura (; ),Headly, Robert K.; Chhor, Kylin; Lim, Lam Kheng; Kheang, Lim Hak; Chun, Chen. 1977. ''Cambodian-English Dictionary''. Bureau of Special Research in Modern Languages. The Catholic Uni ...
and the
vernacular architecture Vernacular architecture (also folk architecture) is building done outside any academic tradition, and without professional guidance. It is not a particular architectural movement or style but rather a broad category, encompassing a wide range a ...
tradition of domestic buildings. The term was coined by authors Helen Grant Ross and Darryl Leon Collins. The Kingdom of Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953. Winning the elections in 1955, Prince
Norodom Sihanouk Norodom Sihanouk (; 31 October 192215 October 2012) was a member of the House of Norodom, Cambodian royal house who led the country as Monarchy of Cambodia, King, List of heads of state of Cambodia, Chief of State and Prime Minister of Cambodi ...
founded the Sangkum Reastr Niyum, a political experiment in economic development that specifically developed this art and architectural style. It reached its apotheosis in the 1960s and ended abruptly in 1970 with the overthrow of
Norodom Sihanouk Norodom Sihanouk (; 31 October 192215 October 2012) was a member of the House of Norodom, Cambodian royal house who led the country as Monarchy of Cambodia, King, List of heads of state of Cambodia, Chief of State and Prime Minister of Cambodi ...
by General
Lon Nol Marshal Lon Nol (, also ; 13 November 1913 – 17 November 1985) was a Cambodian military officer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Cambodia twice (1966–67; 1969–71), as well as serving repeatedly as defence minister and provi ...
.


Historic overview

The driving force behind the movement was Norodom Sihanouk, King (1953–1955), Prime Minister (1955–1960), Head of State (1960–1970), visionary leader much beloved by his people, composer, writer, poet and lyricist, filmmaker, interior designer, and patron of the arts. Starting in 1953, year of Cambodia's independence, his vision of Cambodia as a modern, developed country and an integral part of the world led him to drive an all-encompassing effort to modernize the country, from agriculture to infrastructure and industry, education to health care, tourism to the arts. At first the foreign influences in the style were clear, but quickly the architects of the movement, many of them trained abroad, become more confident in their use of distinctly Cambodian elements, merging them seamlessly with Modern elements. During the 1960s
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Cambodia, most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since 1865 and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its political, economic, industr ...
with its many buildings in the style of New Khmer Architecture, was called the 'Pearl of the East'. During a visit to the city in the 1960s,
Lee Kuan Yew Lee Kuan Yew (born Harry Lee Kuan Yew; 16 September 1923 – 23 March 2015), often referred to by his initials LKY, was a Singaporean politician who ruled as the first Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. He is widely recognised ...
, Prime Minister of the Republic of
Singapore Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. The country's territory comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. It is about one degree ...
from 1959 to 1990, was so impressed he expressed his desire for Singapore to develop along similar lines.


Present and future

Although the East of Cambodia was badly hit by American bombing with towns such as Kampong Cham and Kampot including their universities and hospitals being razed, many New Khmer Architecture buildings in
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Cambodia, most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since 1865 and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its political, economic, industr ...
and across the country survived the years of war and devastation remarkably intact. Unfortunately ruthless liberalism and the current period of high economic growth are proving to be a much greater threat. The magnificent Preah Suramarit National Theatre, which partially burned down in 1994 after welding repairs accidentally set fire to the roof and the Council of Ministers, have already been destroyed in the speculative rush to cash in on the rise in the value of land. Not just buildings of the 1950s and 1960s, but also buildings from the colonial period are threatened. Many buildings built during the period are in poor shape. The National Sports Complex is especially vulnerable. Even though it is still in regular use, a recent "renovation" was extremely superficial. The moats surrounding the stadium, integral part of the design for flood prevention, have been or are being filled with shoddy new constructions. Of the two apartment blocks on the Front de Bassac, the so-called 'White Building' was demolished in 2015; the other has been encapsulated in concrete and has lost all its distinct features. Only a few buildings in the style are in good condition and regularly used; the Chamkarmon Compound (part of the Senate), Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Chenla Theatre, for example. Confounding the situation is the fact that many Cambodians, especially those in power, do not recognize the cultural value of this architecture. On the contrary, many – erroneously – see it as something foreign, because "it's too modern (...) and is not understood as being an expression of a vital time in Cambodia's history". Currently there are a small group of people, mainly foreigners, who are trying to raise awareness in an effort to save the remaining sites. A new generation of Cambodian architecture students are also aware of the situation.


Characteristics of the style

There are several typical elements that characterize the style. From the Modernist movement, the style uses reinforced concrete and assertive structures. Elements of vernacular tradition include adaptations to the local tropical climate. Traditional Cambodian houses are usually raised on columns. This makes for an open, shaded space for social activities and a natural cooling effect. The height of the building offers protection in times of floods. New Khmer Architecture often uses these features. Other adaptations are the use of wall panels, double walls and roofs (especially the typical VVV- shaped roofs that can be found on many buildings of the style) to prevent direct sunlight. Loggias (covered balconies and walkways) and claustras (decorative openwork) offer shade. Particular attention was paid to the creation of natural ventilation to cool the building. Traditional houses also have an open floor plan, another feature in many New Khmer Architecture buildings. Many of them are light, white (another adaptation to climate) and open. Like traditional houses, the structure and foundation of New Khmer Architecture buildings are not hidden. The structure's often used as an integral part of the building, and forms a decorative element. Many buildings are infused with Cambodian culture and everyday life. Sometimes elements of traditional temples are used, like multi-tiered tiled roofs, golden spires, tympani (gables) and roof ornaments. Sometimes a traditional object formed an inspiration for a design.
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
's library at the Teacher Training College (now Institute of Foreign Languages) looks like a traditional straw hat. The Chaktomuk Conference Hall, also by
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, offers another example of the use of traditional objects as inspiration, with its fan shaped roof and golden spire. The Angkor tradition suggested the use of moats and raised walkways. Moats are not only decorative, but also function as a water reservoir in rainy season, and work as a cooling device. The National Sports Complex and the Teacher Training College (now Institute of Foreign Languages) are prime examples of this approach. Late colonial architecture, especially buildings such as the Central Market and Phnom Penh Railway Station, had an influence in the innovative use of reinforced concrete. Government buildings, state residences, factories, schools and universities, health centers and hospitals, sports complexes, exhibition halls, cinemas and theaters, airports and train stations, churches, private houses and social housing projects, even stupas and monuments were built in the style. Although the most impressive examples can be found in Phnom Penh, the country's provincial capitals and other towns benefitted from the national effort to modernize the whole country. Most projects were funded from the national budget or private Cambodian funds, because as Sihanouk declared 'I do not want to indebt my children'. International technical assistance was accepted from the UN and foreign governments, such as the
United States of America The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguo ...
, the
USSR The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (USSR), commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a List of former transcontinental countries#Since 1700, transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 until Dissolution of the Soviet ...
, and
China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
. Two UN experts, Vladimir Bodiansky and Gérald Hanning, provided valuable technical support in the early 1960s to the point that Vann Molyvann said they were his masters. Gérald Hanning who had participated in the Modulor, Le Corbusier's famous tool for proportion, initiated Vann Molyvann to it. After that he used it in all his designs.


Important architects

When Cambodia gained independence from France, there were no competent Cambodian architects or engineers in the entire former colony. Gradually, young talented architects returned from abroad. Absolutely inexperienced, they are immediately loaded with the most taxable workload. Meanwhile, the technical and engineering schools have started training engineers and technicians. But it was not until 1965 that architecture began to be taught at the newly established Royal University of Fine Arts, where the most famous new Khmer architect,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, was hired as Rector. Other Cambodian architects who played an important role were Lu Ban Hap, Chhim Sun Fong, Seng Suntheng, Ung Krapum Phka and Mam Sophana. Many of them trained abroad, especially in France or the United States. Altogether Grant Ross and Collins (opus cit pp72) identified over 60 architects from many different origins who contributed to the work of the Sangkum Reastr Niyum: Henri Chatel, Jamshed Petigura, Leroy & Mondet, Claude Bach, to mention a few. The architects for the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh were Russian; Gordienko and Erchov. In recent years, significant contributions from Japanese experts and contractors have emerged, with Gyoji Banshoya, Nobuo Goto and Setsuo Okada being recorded by Kosuke Matsubara. Dr. Lynn Emerson was an American architect who designed the School of Applied Arts and Engineering. All of this shows how the head of state used all the available intellectual power. Supported by Prince Norodom, who admires the diverse origins of these highly skilled technicians, contributes to a creative sense. Not an architect as such, Prince Sihanouk was the driving force behind the movement. He personally supervised most projects and encouraged his architects to reach their highest possible level of achievement. He also worked as an interior designer on some buildings and reviewed all the plans before approval.


Important buildings

Phnom Penh * Bassac Riverfront: Municipal Apartments, Lu Ban Hap with Vladimir Bodiansky, c. 1963, demolished 2015 * Bassac Riverfront: National Bank Apartments (now part of the Russian Embassy), Henri Chatel and Jamshed Petrigura, c. 1963 * Bassac Riverfront: Olympic Village Apartments,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, c. 1963 * Bassac Riverfront: Preah Suramarit National Theater,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, 1968, demolished 2008 * Bassac Riverfront: Sangkum Reastr Exhibition Hall,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, 1961 * Hotel Cambodiana, Chhim Sun Fong, Lu Ban Hap, Norodom Sihanouk (interior design), 1969 * Chaktomuk Conference Hall,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, 1961 * Chamkarmon Compound, Lu Ban Hap,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
and others, 1950s-1960s * Chenla State Cinema (now Chenla Theater), Lu Ban Hap with Chhim Sun Fong, 1969 * Council of Ministers,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
and Grimeret, 1950s, demolished 2008 * Independence Monument,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
and Ing Kieth, 1962 * Institute of Technology, Russian architects, 1964 * Khmer-Soviet Hospital, Gordienko and Erchov, 1964 * Milk factory (now Kingdom Breweries), Uk Sameth, 1970 * National Sports Complex,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, Um Samuth, Gérald Hanning, Vladimir Bodiansky, Claude Duchemin, Jean-Claude Morin, 1964 *
Royal University of Phnom Penh The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP; , ; ) is a national university, national research university of Cambodia, located in the Phnom Penh capital. Established in 1960, it is the country's largest university. It hosts around 30,000 studen ...
, Leroy & Mondet, 1968 * State Palace (now Senate),
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, 1966 * Teacher Training College (now Institute of Foreign Languages),
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, 1972 Battambang * Battambang University, Ung Krapum Phka, 1968 SihanoukvilleGrant Ross, Helen; Collins, Darryl; Sokol, Hok;« On the road to Sihanoukville » in Art & Culture 4th Royal University of Phnom Penh Socio-Cultural Congress 6-8 November 2001 pp 41-61 * St. Michael's Church, Sihanoukville, 1965, A. Ahadoberry &
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
* Independence Hotel, Leroy & Mondet, 1968 * SKD Brewery and staff housing,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, 1968 * National Bank of Cambodia and staff housing,
Vann Molyvann Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined Modernist architect, modernism and Khmer archite ...
, 1968


See also

* Tropical Modernism


References


Citations


Sources


Sthapatyakam. The Architecture of Cambodia
Phnom Penh: Department of Media and Communication, Royal University of Phnom Penh, 2012. * ** In pp. 101-138: complete overview of the New Khmer Architecture movement and style, including its history, evolution, and most important buildings and architects {{Modern architecture Architecture in Cambodia Architectural styles