VANN MOLYVANN: SITUATING THE WORK OF CAMBODIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECT DARRYL COLLINS78 AWN MOLYVANN: SITUATING THE WORK OF CAMBODIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECT ARCHITECT IN THE MAKING Bom in Ream, Kampot Province in 1926, Vann Molyvann still resides in the house he designed in ¢.1966, set on the bustling Mao Tse Tang Boulevard in Phnom Penh." It's, difficult, he says, to sit and watch the destruction of his, “children’@—an expansive and recently threatened reper toire of state, civie and private projects few architects can ‘match. He has lived an exceptional life—honored by royal patronage at a young age and widely responsible for the post-independenee urban planning of Cambodia's capital city—Vann Molyvann’s legacy is synonymous with ‘New Khmer Architecture,” the unique formulation of modernism and tropical architecture he launched in the early 1960s. Perhaps hinting toward Vann’s later life influences, he was educated in Paris at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in the studio of Louis Arretche. ‘Though immersed in European classical traditions, Vann ‘was simultaneously exposed to the work of Corbusier, Rudolph, Wright and others—figures who, he notes him- self, provided great inspiration. With such exposure, in particular to that of “Le Modulor.”® Vann would later inte polate the measurements and ratios of Corbusier’s famed proportional system with those of the Angkorian temples.4 their intricate water management schemes and overall climactic sensitivity, forming the basis of a design method- ology carried consistently throughout his buildings. Upon completing his studies and receiving his French architectural diploma (d.p.lg,) and British Architect's Association (d.a.a.)5equivalent, Vann returned to Cambodia in 1956, By 1957, at the age of 31, he had been appointed Chief Architect for state buildings and head of the Urban Planning and Housing Department of the Ministry of Public Works and Telecommunications ¢ With a formidable project team—Gérald Hanning ‘Vladimir Bodiansky, Vladimir Kandarouff, Um Samuth and Khoun Khun-Neay—a suite of functional, beauti- fully understated public buildings emerged, reinforcing the needs, both physically and psychologically, of a young independent Cambodia. Works spanned the gamut from ‘modest but practical housing, light factories, public and civie venues, state administrative offices as well as broader infrastructural and urban initiatives. monuments and gathering spaces. This heady mix was supplemented by personal projects under the direction of Prince Norodom. Sihanouk, Head of State. Yet regardless of audience. intrinsic to Vann’s dynamic formalism was the revised mode of modem Khmer urban sensibility with which he imbued every project—the spatial impacts of airflow? a ‘bonding and respect for land and water and the integration, of guiding principles behind Khmer vernacular dwelling Such sensibilities owe further eredence to the ereation of ‘Stok Khmer’, a semi-mystical telling of the Khmer land which appeared as the waters receded, the spirits and gods, who inhabit this land and the rivers which provide for the sustenance of its people. In 1962, plans devised by Vann, acting as head of Urban Planning. and guided by a sophisticated understanding, of the region’s historic flood pattems, included the fore ighted division of Phnom Penh into three—‘the old city,” “new sectors’ and “zones under development.” In subse- quent years, Vann would go on to ereate or oversee over seventy architectural projects principally in the capital many providing visual landmarks that still define the city Completed in an amazingly brief 14 years between 1957 and 1971, the projects range from monumental urban foci to bold civie and state endeavors such as the National Sports Complex. Simultaneous to Cambodia's modem rise, regional politi cal stability deteriorated during these same years. By 1970, in the aftermath to U.S. bombing campaigns along the Cambodia-Vietnam border. the Cambodia National Assembly had deposed Sihanouk and positioned Lon Nol as provisional Head of State. Having ushered his wife and children safely to Europe, Vann was to quietly depart Cambodia in 1971 under the pretext of an international meeting. A dark period was descending ARCHITECTURAL EXPLORATIONS OF the most nationally significant and architecturally representative of Vann Molyvann’s projects, notes are included below. Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Phonm Penh Completed in 1961, this multi-purpose conference hall still admirably fulfills audience expectations, Excellent acous- ties and sight lines are augmented by its unique blending, of traditional Khmer vemacular forms and New Khmer Architecture. It is spectacularly sited on the bank of Tonle Sap at Chaktomuk, from which it takes its name—the con- fluence of four rivers. Restored in 2000, it remains one of the precious few independence-era spaces for public spec tacle in Phnom Penh, Independence Monument & Gardens, Phonm Penh This monument, in traditional Khmer prasat form with a refined sense of proportion, celebrates Cambodian inde pendence. It sits with an appropriate air of solemnity at the center of a traffic circle at the junction of Sihanouk and Norodom boulevards. Despite Cambodia's declaration as an independent nation in 1953, this monument was not, officially inaugurated until 1962, Referencing the ancient Khmer temple of Bantey Srei, the monument isa very sub- tle modem invention, using adapted modular proportions, of a traditional Khmer tower. Initial soft pink, granite- finished reinforced conerete forms were enlivened with traditional Khmer motifs by master Battambang sculptor Taing Veut (1910-1977) DARRYL COLLINS80 \VANN MOLYVANN: SITUATING THE WORK OF CAMBODIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECT DARRYL COLLINS82 AWN MOLYVANN: SITUATING THE WORK OF CAMBODIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECT Still the focus of Independence Day celebrations (9 November). the monument has undergone several recent modifications of lighting, as well as the addition of deco- rative fountains installed by the Phnom Penh Municipality in 2007. The original nearby gardens were designed in the 1960, and the associated sculpture and Naga fountain are the work of Vann’s colleague Lu Ban Hap and the Phnom Penh Municipality Independence Monument is a national icon, often con- sidered the signature structure representing, Phnom Penh across the nation and the region, Recently, however, its famed silhouette has been visually compromised by a series of recent apartment towers, obfuscating the vista from the north along Norodom Boulevard National Sports Complex, Phonm Penh Inaugurated to great acclaim in 1964, the National Sports Complex represents the largest and most sophisticated commission in Vann Molyvann’s carcer® Situated in the rwestem sector of the city, this complex was also related to accommodation for athletes at the Bassac River Front development, constructed during the same period (and also designed by Vann Moylvann)® Completed to Olympic standards in an astonishing 18 months. it formed the cen- terpiece of a number of facilities for the proposed Southeast Asian Games of 1964—games that never materialized. The complex, however, later played host to the intemational GANEFO Games, and became the de facto venue for visit~ ing dignitaries during the Sangkum Reaste Niyum period. To this point, French president Charles de Gaulle made his famed address from the stadium to the Cambodian nation in September of 1966 Now a shadow of its former self, this complex has seen the fall gamut of historical events—from the 1Sth anniversary of the Sangkum to its relative disuse, sale and slow stran- gulation amidst Phnom Penh’s busy redevelopment ‘One Hundred Houses, Phnom Penh ‘This group development (c.1965), widely known by its Khmer nickname “mrouy khnong,” or “100 compartments, ‘was commissioned for the staff of the National Bank of Cambodia and relies on a blend of traditional wooden Khmer vernacular architecture and the requirements of modem 1960s dwellings. Vann and associated architects incorporated fully functional wet areas for bathroom, toi- let and kitchen areas on a cement base, while the living and sleeping areas were rendered with wooden floors. The houses are raised, as tradition and climate dictate, on slen~ der columns, An outstanding feature is the provision of natural ventilation in both the roof structure (based on the design concept of a military cap) which captures prevailing winds, as well as eross-ventilation provided by unglazed ‘windows fitted with wooden louvers. The development is a fine example of low-cost mass hous- ing. Today. few of the houses remain in their original state aving been altered, added to or completely rebuilt in sub- sequent years, Preah Suramarit National Theatre, Phnom Penh With references to triangular forms utilized by Frank Lloyd Wright (most noticeable in the design of the original foyer and overall ship-like form), this theater sited on the bank of the Bassac River and completed in 1968 also made use of an adaptation of Le Corbusier's modulor. The original seating capacity of 1,200 provided an intermediary venue between the smaller Chaktomuk Conference Hall and the larger National Stadium Complex’s sports hall, And while the concert space itself was fitted for air-conditioning, the theater's scalloped exterior walls allowed natural air venti- lation throughout the public reception zones, In 1994, an accidental fire destroyed much of the building, including tho National Conservatory of Performing Arts sets, props, costumes and interior fittings. The shell of the building was dealt a coup de grce when it was demolished in 2008 after a land-swap acquisition. Société Khmére des Distilleries (SKD Brewery) & associated workers’ housing, Sihanoukville The SKD Brewery (a private commission for Vann Molyvann) was inaugurated by the Head of State in 1968. The design, inspired by a Khmer carrying-pole balanced on the shoulder, or “dong tek,” features a combination of red. brick and white conerete forms, The factory, central office building and associated houses all make use of the 2.26m modular, creating a sense of unity throughout the site. The showpiece reception and front offices are positioned imme- diately to the right of the front gate, complemented by the expansive light-flled lower level. Today, the brewery is functioning as designed, now oper- ated by Cambrew Holdings. Teacher Training College, Phnom Penh This educational facility was one of a series of university buildings, incorporated in a masterplan, that line the bou- levard leading from the international airport to the city Completed in 1972 after Vann Molyvann left Cambodia, the college resulted from two designs—the earliest from 1965, having never been built—and to which the final design is, in many respects, superior and more experimental. The cavemous interior with surrounding offices, balconies and. columns is focused on an elegant scissored stair, access- ing levels which appear to float under the skylit ceiling. As a meandering yet ordered complex of lecture halls, study areas, cafes, courtyards and libraries, the elements of the project are linked by a series of bridges and moats remi- niscent of Angkorian monuments. The circular design of DARRYL COLLINSHyaa AWN MOLYVANN: SITUATING THE WORK OF CAMBODIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECT the library is based on the traditional Khmer palm-leaf hat, while the slightly cocentric, stilted lecture rooms make modemist, if whimsical, reference to the vernacular Khmer house typology. Stillactively attended, the original Teacher Training College today is home to the Institute of Foreign Languages, an affiliate of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, HERITAGE LOST Over the past four decades, history has dealt severe blows to the creativity and energetic fervor that marked the flowering of the Sangkum Reastr Niyum period (1953- 1970)—a mere 17 years that saw Cambodia emerge on the world stage, From the burgeoning intellectual commu- nity of the late 1960s, the Khmer Rouge abyss of the late 1970s and finally, the reemergence of a nation from 1993, onwards, the struggle to mend Cambodia’s turbulent past continues today In 1991, after an absence of twenty years, Vann Molyvann ‘was encouraged by King Norodom Sihanouk to return to ‘Cambodia to assist in the country’s reconstruction. He was soon appointed senior advisor to the Cambodian govem- ‘ment and two years later. he was to found the APSARA ‘Authority, an independent organization, ereated to manage the temple region at Siem Reap-Angkor. Since 2000, with the inevitable modemization and devel- ‘opment of Phnom Penh, fine examples of French colonial buildings and “New Khmer Architecture’ alike have been sacrificed for land value and the sake of expediency." OF the latter, key works in Vann’s oeuvre are under particular threat and serve to demonstrate the lack of protections even for buildings of sincere national significance. In 2004, co-authors Ross and Collins wrote in Docomomot? of the imminent destruction looming for Vann’s mas- tempiece, the National Sports Complex, due to sale or exchange of the property by the government, first to a Taiwanese company and most recently to Cambodian dovelopers. As His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk then commented, its threatened destruction would be nothi less than “.,.’assassinat de ce grand chef d’ocuvre digne Angkor”. ‘Though impacted by recent low-rise retail and office devel- ‘opments encroaching on its grounds, the National Sports ‘Complex today remains intact, if on borrowed time. Vann’s Preah Suramarit National Theater, however, is a confirmed and disappointing loss, First devastated by an accidental fire in 1994, the theater was finally demolished in 2008 by a local tycoon, who, in return for control of the site, was 10 rehabilitate the existing structure or build anew, Today, the Jot stands mute and empty Yet, despite such personal attacks, Vann is resolute, Writing in 2005, Matt Steinglass captured Vann’s sincere humili clarifying his greatest concem as, “...less about the fate of his buildings than about the neglect of Phnom Penh’s infia- structure.” He continues: “The city has a precarious relationship with water: each summer, the combination of monsoon rains and melting snow flowing down the Mekong from the Himalayas floods the farmland surrounding the city and causes the ‘Tonle Sap River to reverse direction, The government has failed to build dikes to keep up with the city’s expansion, while shortsighted development is filling in the lakes and canals designed to channel floodwaters, A particularly heavy flood year, Vann fears, could prove disastrous. It is one of the standard critiques of the Modemists of ‘Van's generation that their grandiose designs crushed the street-level urban fabric and ignored environmen- tal sustainability. Vann’s case stands this critique on its head. His 1960s vision for Phnom Penh epitomizes the grandiose optimism of “la Ville Radicuse,” the Fronch version of midcentury utopian urbanism. Yet it was ‘Vann’s city plan that paid exquisite attention to Phnom Penh’s environmental concems and urban fabric, while the privatization and decentralization ofthe last 15 threaten to scar the city’s landmarks and wreak havoe ‘with is water management.” REASSERTING CAMBODIAN CULTURE, In a 1969 interview for Nokor Khmer, Vann Molyvann stated: ‘Our head of state [then Prince Norodom Sihanouk] personally supports and encourages artistic accom- plishment, in particular, architecture, Also, the Sangkum allows architects a free hand in conducting their research and their work, Finally, we now have a Faculty of Architecture and a Faculty of Construction that trains highly qualified architects and engincers. ‘They are engaged in the path that was traced 15 years ‘ago and I think they will be up to the task." Now 86, young Khmer architects still look to Vann with ‘great respect, referring to him as “Lok Ta,” or the “honored master.” Never to rest, today Vann is focused on written pursuits, having authored two books since his return, with a third on the way. An edited form of his French doctoral thesis, “Cities of Southeast Asia: Past and Present,” first submitted in 2008, will this year be made available in Khmer, followed thereafter by an English edition *8 Though his story is one of recent official neglect, he is not forgotten.” Both his own voice and collective awareness of his work have been raised further in recent years under the ambition of numerous architects and academics, reinstituting Vann’s drawn and photographic DARRYL COLLINS86 AWN MOLYVANN: SITUATING THE WORK OF CAMBODIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECT archives, which had been largely lost during the Khmer Rouge occupation. Among these efforts, the Vann Molyvann Project.'® a non-profit collaborative led by William Greaves, invited undergraduate and graduate students'® from the Royal University of Fine Arts-Phnom Penh, Yale University, and Moscow Institute of Technology for a series of summer intensives in Phnom Penh—surveying, drawing and ulti- ‘mately exhibiting a number of Vann’s seminal works at the Institut francais du Cambodge in 2010. Such scholarship, among many parallel pursuits, has helped to firmly cement in place this Cambodian architect's life work dead a paper presonod sho tothe Murcia of Phnom Penh, ICONOS Sydney Conerencs, Secretary of Stat for Pubic Works “Te Cabodan Talnen—unoved sd Tlcommunieatons, Lae, ‘modem hume-shunnedarchect, a vaeta be nanioled Founding len Grant Roxy, Jy 2008, 2. ‘Hisar’ retest bling Reclor he nety omed Raya Unverty fine re (UREA nt that Vann Myra hough of a6 thon Mnior of Natal Eaueaton Thum eytboleay comeded chin 7” Athan designing fe peod yan iors 200-208, fd gaced baking td th {3 Molyvan mado use ofan agapied—_a-conatoning, may f Vann sat poportans based an 2 Moran's tuldnge mcrprale 225 mate gi eve om Le sShimpatant spacer and verting lo Cortana rtr Le Caruso, Per aia iin th wenn ant ‘Mr Pai 980 “Gara ‘athou Hs oxpined te prosace ae Hennings costed win noducng fated fom hereto aconomle Vana Mayan to Le Causers (aig ho 10 ows the ‘robin new aystom af complex cong by ait sweeping proportion, now 2 L Moc tough tho slaaum anc noor ‘enn Mayan vsdthe sytem bat sorts a athe enormous Nationa stapled tier Cambodian designs", Spats Complex. ute! lve a 20012003 Vane Mayan or 4 Vann soystbutetothoseAnpkosan_‘Bulng Cabos 2008 op oh refrenesin pulsed sketches 8 The Naina Spots Complex one ‘outing otha doi a ang of fanuneer of eat wentectua the Nana Spr: Compe. The Imatrose i Pom Pon race consiuty ecoes and Tha hore conene nde Inargos Anghoran stopped wadtions ination om adionl Knar Inlone wh rnterced conte ‘woot Others wos nis (andlandeandaudece satng calgary by Vann yan case ithe eachent pole iced the neapendenc Monae ‘eazona Rete ineriew ith Veen the State Palce a Chaka Mon Mopar in Nor Kame 1889," 9 The Wale Spore Comox o Yacht Sr Angkor Fea 2001 poh Sr Obmpie Vioe fr tees ‘5 Rose, Hoon Grant and Cli, ‘econmodstn. Daryn, Sutdng Comboda: 10. Ade ARK Reaoareh (ve ‘No Klee Acie 155 20002006) acnoriedped in 1970, The Kay Pubic Company he deception of ile nil Lites, Bangor, 206. bling Marten ofthe oom 15 Varn Neyvann wos aso appoited ude Hebon Grant Ross, erento toch pots hal nce Chet {cowuhor, ok Sok chet 2 Mary itr an oar ed ‘os 20022012) ave roots ‘races th conterbie vigor ult defo eal oreo ‘ot aritectrt ertgo of ho Benthas made soe allot “nd conferences, bt tds ofooue ea. Coli, Oa wh Ross, Hlon (rat ont al, "Tho Nation! ‘Spots Gomori pel, Comte (196, Docomome' 2.0, Maren 2008, p 5956. Fett 6-15 February 200, ‘Bolatn Mensa! de Oecimentton tar-renconmmnt by he Kg ‘onan ate about he Neon ‘Spots Gonpiorn Cambodye Sor, 12 Fey 2003 by Helen Grant Mat tei, The Cy He Bult Teens ih Vann Myrna ch ‘Nokor Kir’ 1989, Quod in “Boltng Cambodia 2006 op. Foatvcomng tobe pubes dng Reteronce, Vann Mosrann& New mec Artec: Reeds of ‘sot pblahod comment uthor's DARRYL COLLINS Haye Pfc 006.202 have cond eesanay aro St penne ie tng i nd tcpon to ccimertng gent Sheeting tides ‘ces etic og, trodes erdthgs andor oF ‘see ‘ccmot aoc xromeeh ‘Nerometoe re Retr Ne tecveramoyenpent on aon mata jet tpn Stlremer Dect ‘le Utero ‘evoria oon Store Wa ioscow insite of ecology Royal Unters of ie A Prom Peon euncnene rng Yr tay Pence Exnsomea Simro ven oven tenia scarsCorer) A OMA Ad ree) or s pr Oe Loe T 9th-15th century aE Saya ‘ press per renner eet T ene et eee ry i may Prerrrete g Perem oSs Pe ete ee ete pein nave I G To) ery oun POOR cd in 1926 1960 ‘ Pe cue nated Cee Au ero A ‘Queen Kossomak serves as ‘Protector of ‘ cerry pees a First Cambodian (o pass Baccalaureate at ¢ PBSC aE eae s Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works Try Pens est ee Crd ro Sir Ce ULC SUD eT EULS lag Le BESS Rd 1945 March-October at Sar Re ee oe Pet oe oe Coser eer ates eC Une na ns ETC) Se ae ata A Eee UCR 1947-1956 See cs Ce oc area Minister of State to the Head Tard Sn Sct act enn eto Studies Khmer art at Eeole du Louvre, P: nea ce ae eee ec at Proce it) oa ee BOO cera Ae Tac counts eieg Sree Works as architect, Paris a ee De Oe ec Dee RU a cone ttc Cee LER LOU cT. TET Senior Expert to the Mi Bee ete STE) Peon ey Cre Re Crees potent Ls)cy Seay Ta) Leaves Cambodia Se Works as architect in Switzerland, postgraduate lecturer at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and consultant for international preter ee aS Poe Creer Co CeCe eee Khmer Rouge period Cee LO Perens SCE Tg Works on senior assignments for United Nations fers a Mess at SEC) NOSE ce ica Scere Appointed senior technical advisor for United Nations Centre for Human Settlements in Burundi ee Ee eC RECA LCE Ok cr LT a ee ue eer) ee coy Returns to Cambodia STEEL] Appointed senior advisor to the Cambodian Pd re Ce CLS Ce ay eo Scar TO ee Ne Ud and Construction Sey Cae iad mata CeCe URE UO Cty eee] ce ee De a ns Peet eerie tr ea eer acca ey srs re Appointed president and executive director of the BIS tra oe eas \d the Management of Angkor and the Region cD) Tey De Cd Oe ert Tor LN een Pe eae) Ce Cue UR RCo en PO ne ke on Pad Bestowed Grand Cross of the Royal Ord of Cambodia by King Norodom Sihanouk Appointed supreme privy counci OSs COLA i Pe Oe nc Weg Pay Sn Corea ee Pe Are CL roy errr PN ee Cg ee La Paes Doctoral thesis, Les Cités du Sud-Est Asiatique, Je Passé et le Présent, submitted in France at age 82 err Forthcoming edition Cities of Southeast Asia: Past and Present, Phnom Penh (Khmer & English versions) Cotecry