New Khmer Architecture (1956-1972) was pioneered by Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, who built some 100 structures in the post-independence, pre-war period in the country. He was behind Phnom Penh's Independence Monument, unveiled in 1958. Photo by Sam Naiman (www.chromafilms.net)
New Khmer Architecture —
New Khmer Architecture (1956-1972) was pioneered by Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, who built some 100 structures in the post-independence, pre-war period in the country. He was behind Phnom Penh's Independence Monument, unveiled in 1958. Photo by Sam Naiman (www.chromafilms.net)
Sam Naiman
The movement was ended by the savage Khmer Rouge regime which devastated the country. Many of Molyvann's buildings remained survived this period, however, such as the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), pictured here, which was built in 1971.
New Khmer Architecture —
The movement was ended by the savage Khmer Rouge regime which devastated the country. Many of Molyvann's buildings remained survived this period, however, such as the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), pictured here, which was built in 1971.
The Vann Molyvann Project
New Khmer Architecture was inspired by ancient Cambodian design traditions and had a heavy emphasis on the use of space in relation to local circumstances and climate -- as illustrated by the interior of the IFL, pictured here.
New Khmer Architecture —
New Khmer Architecture was inspired by ancient Cambodian design traditions and had a heavy emphasis on the use of space in relation to local circumstances and climate -- as illustrated by the interior of the IFL, pictured here.
Sam Naiman
Molyvann was appointed as a state architect by the King of Cambodia. The State Palace in Phnom Penh, built in the 1960s, was one of the government structures he designed.
New Khmer Architecture —
Molyvann was appointed as a state architect by the King of Cambodia. The State Palace in Phnom Penh, built in the 1960s, was one of the government structures he designed.
The Vann Molyvann Project
Despite the value of New Khmer buildings, they are under threat of being demolished thanks to rapid development and urbanization. The dilapidated interior of the Former Pasteur Institute, a medical facility opened in 1965, is pictured.
New Khmer Architecture —
Despite the value of New Khmer buildings, they are under threat of being demolished thanks to rapid development and urbanization. The dilapidated interior of the Former Pasteur Institute, a medical facility opened in 1965, is pictured.
The Vann Molyvann Project
The 100 Houses in Phnom Penh, built for workers of the National Bank of Cambodia, were influenced by traditional Khmer wooden houses built on stilts, with sloped roofs that keep rain and sunlight at bay.
New Khmer Architecture —
The 100 Houses in Phnom Penh, built for workers of the National Bank of Cambodia, were influenced by traditional Khmer wooden houses built on stilts, with sloped roofs that keep rain and sunlight at bay.
Sam Naiman
Other New Khmer buildings that survived the war include the Olympic National Stadium in Phnom Penh. Despite Cambodia never having hosted the Olympic games, the stadium was dubbed as such and the name stuck.
New Khmer Architecture —
Other New Khmer buildings that survived the war include the Olympic National Stadium in Phnom Penh. Despite Cambodia never having hosted the Olympic games, the stadium was dubbed as such and the name stuck.
Sam Naiman
After fleeing abroad during the war, Molyvann now lives back in Cambodia with his family. He was able to reclaim the house he built in Phnom Penh in the 1960s.
New Khmer Architecture —
After fleeing abroad during the war, Molyvann now lives back in Cambodia with his family. He was able to reclaim the house he built in Phnom Penh in the 1960s.
Sam Naiman