MODERN CAMBODIAN ARCHITECTURE

NEW KHMER ARCHITECTURE

Since 1952
• NEW KHMER ARCHITECTURE
MOVEMENT
• The style blended elements of the
Modern Movement with two distinctly
Cambodian traditions: the grand
tradition of Angkor, and the vernacular
tradition of domestic buildings.

Modern Movement:
- Using reinforced concrete
- Assertive Structure
- Using modern elements
Traditional Approach:
- Light in Color
- Raised columns
- Open floor plan
• ORIGIN OF NEW KHMER
ARCHITECTURE

- The movement starts since 1952

- The person who start the

movement was Norodom
Sihanouk, The visionary and
talented leader of Cambodia at
that time.

- It only last for two decades, the

movement end along the
overthrow of position of
Norodom Sihanouk.
• FAMOUS ARCHITECTS OF
NEW KHMER ARCHITECTURE

1. Vann Molyvann
- Born in November 1926
- Known as most famous Architect of the movement
- His works are; National Sports Complex, National
Theater, Council of Ministers, Chaktomuk Conference
Hall, and over 60 other buildings throughout the
country.

2. Lu Ban Hap
- Born in 1931
- Known for his neat work that helps Phnom Penh to be
called “Pearl of Asia”
- His works are; Hotel Cambodiana, the Chenla Theatre and
– an uncomfortable claim to celebrity – the Lycée Tuol
Svay Prey that later became the notorious S-21 prison
camp
HOTEL CAMBODIANA WHITE BUILDING
-Built in the early
1960s
-Operated for only a
year (1969-1970)
-The hotel was
abandoned during
Khmer Period and
became military
barracks

CHENLA THEATRE - Built in the early 1960s

- Lu Ban Hap is responsible for
-Built in the mid
the Site Supervision.
1960s
- Vann Molyvann for the design
- Abandoned
- Later called as “Grey Building”
during war
due to poor maintenance during
period between
the war.
1975-1979
- Become the house for squatters
- Also known as
and declined and become
the “Phnom Penh
known for poverty, drugs and
Theater”
prostitution.