New Khmer Architecture

New Khmer Architecture was an architectural movement in Cambodia during the 1950s and 1960s. The style blended elements of the Modern Movement with two distinctly Cambodian traditions: the grand tradition of Angkor, and the vernacular tradition of ordinary people's houses. Colonial architecture also had an influence, especially in the earlier years. The movement was founded in 1953 with Cambodia's independence, reached its climax during the 1960s and came abruptly to an end in 1970 with the overthrow of Norodom Sihanouk by Gen. Lon Nol.

Historic overview

The driving force behind the movement was Norodom Sihanouk, King (1953–1955), Prime Minister (1955–1960), Head of State (1960–1970), ruthless leader yet 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 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 60s, Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore from 1959 to 1990, was so impressed he expressed his desire for Singapore to develop along similar lines. The movement came abruptly to an end in 1970 with the US-backed overthrow of Norodom Sihanouk by Gen. Lon Nol.

Present and future

Most New Khmer Architecture buildings in Phnom Penh and across the country survived the years of war and devastation remarkably intact. Some were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge: destroyed were for example all but one of the country's churches built during the 50s and 60s (only Sihanouk Ville's church survived), and the University of Kampot-Takeo. Unfortunately ruthless liberalism and the current period of high economic growth are proving to be a much greater threat. Some buildings worth protecting, like the Preah Suramarit National Theater (which partially burned down in 1994 after a building accident) and the Council of Ministers, have already been destroyed in the rush to modernize. (Not just buildings of the 50s and 60s, 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, one is in such a bad state that it is past saving; 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 Chaktomuk Compound (part of the Senate), Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Chenla Theater for example). Confounding the situation is the fact that many Cambodians, especially those in power, don't recognize the movement as distinctly Khmer. 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" (^[1]). Currently a small group of people, mainly foreigners, is trying to raise awareness of Cambodians in an effort to save the remaining sites. A new generation of Cambodian architecture students is also aware of the situation.

Characteristics of the style

There are several typical elements that characterize the style.

From the Modern movement comes the use of reinforced concrete and assertive structures.

Elements of vernacular tradition can be seen in the adaptations to the local tropical climate. Traditional Cambodian houses are usually raised on columns. This makes for an open, shaded space for social activities, creates a natural cooling effect, and the height of the building offers protection in times of floods. New Khmer Architecture often uses this approach. Other adaptations to the climate are the use of wall panels, double walls and roofs (especially the typical VVV- shaped roofs that can be found many of the buildings in the style) to prevent direct sunlight. Loggias (covered balconies and walkways) and claustras (decorative openwork) offer shade. Particular attention was often paid to the creation of natural ventilation to cool the building. Traditional houses also have an open floor plan, another theme that can be found in many New Khmer Architecture buildings. Many of them are light, white (another adaptation to climate) and open. And just like in traditional houses the building's structure is clear, in New Khmer Architecture buildings the structure is not hidden. On the contrary, it's often used as an integral part of the look of a 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's library at the Teacher Training College looks like a traditional straw hat. The Chaktomuk Conference Hall, also by Vann Molyvann, 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.

Early in the movement colonial architecture also had an influence, but its importance waned as the architects' self-confidence grew.

Government buildings, royal 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 of the style can be found in Phnom Penh, many others were completed in most of the country's provincial capitals and other towns. These buildings fitted in a more wide-ranging 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 USSR, and China.

Important architects

The most famous New Khmer Architect is undeniably Vann Molyvann. Other important architects were Lu Ban Hap, Chhim Sun Fong, Seng Sutheng, and Mam Sophana. Many of them were trained abroad, especially in France or the United States. Norodom Sihanouk should not be omitted from this list; not an architect as such, he was nevertheless 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. Non-Cambodian architects that nevertheless were part of the movement were Vladimir Bodiansky and Gérald Hanning (both UN experts), Henri Chatel and Leroy & Mondet.

Important buildings

Phnom Penh

• Bassac Riverfront: Municipal Apartments, Lu Ban Hap with Vladimir Bodiansky, c. 1963
• 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, c. 1963
• Bassac Riverfront: Preah Suramarit National Theater, Vann Molyvann, 1968, demolished 2008
• Bassac Riverfront: Sangkum Reastr Exhibition Hall, Vann Molyvann, 1961
• Cambodiana Hotel, Chhim Sun Fong, Lu Ban Hap, Norodom Sihanouk (interior design), 1969
• Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Vann Molyvann, 1961
• Chamkarmon Compound, Lu Ban Hap, Vann Molyvann and others, 1950s-1960s
• Chenla State Cinema (now Chenla Theater), Lu Ban Hap with Chhim Sun Fong, 1969
• Council of Ministers, Vann Molyvann and Grimeret, 1950s, demolished 2008
• Independence Monument, Vann Molyvann and Ing Kieth, 1962
• Institute of Technology, Soviet team, 1964
• Milk factory (now Kingdom Breweries), Uk Sameth, 1970
• National Sports Complex, Vann Molyvann, Um Samuth, Gérald Hanning, Claude Duchemin, Jean-Claude Morin, 1964
• Royal University of Phnom Penh, Leroy & Mondet, 1968
• Teacher Training College (now Institute of Foreign Languages), Vann Molyvann, 1972

Battambang

• Battambang University, Ung Krapum Phka, 1968

Sihanoukville

• Independence Hotel, Leroy & Mondet, 1968
• SKD Brewery and staff housing, Vann Molyvann, 1968
• National Bank of Cambodia and staff housing, Vann Molyvann, 1968

References and notes

1. ^ Grant Ross, Helen and Collins, Darryl Leon Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970, Bangkok: The Key Publisher Co. Ltd., 2006, p. xxiv

• Grant Ross, Helen and Collins, Darryl Leon Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970, Bangkok: The Key Publisher Co. Ltd., 2006 ISBN 974-93412-1-X

(Offers a complete overview of the New Khmer Architecture movement and style, its history and evolution, and its most important buildings and architects.)