Vann Molyvann

Infobox Artist
name = Vann Molyvann


imagesize = 200
caption =
birthname =
birthdate = birth date|1926|11|23
location = Ream, Cambodia
deathdate =
deathplace =
nationality = Cambodian (Cambodia)
field = Architecture
training = École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts,Paris,France
movement = New Khmer Architecture
works =

Vann Molyvann (November 23 1926-) is one of Cambodia's most venerated architects and cultural icons. He is responsible for much of Phnom Penh's architecture. His work in New Khmer Architecture sprung from the "Sangkum Reastr Niyum" or "New Khmer Architecture" period of the 1950s and 60s when Khmer culture flourished under the patronage of then-King Norodom Sihanouk.

Born in Ream, which was then a part of Kampot province in 1926, Vann Molyvann first studied law, and then obtained one of five scholarships to pursue his studies in Paris, France. After one year of law, he switched to architecture at the School of Fine Arts in Paris. He studied under Le Corbusier and returned to Cambodia in 1955, educated and keen to put his talents to use, and was appointed as chief national architect to Cambodia in 1956 by the king.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Vann Molyvann designed some of the country's most famous structures most notably in the capital Phnom Penh where many of his designs stand in charming contrast to Phnom Penh's traditional buildings and wats and the decaying mansions left by the French occupation. T

Molyvann's work has defined Phnom Penh's city landscape for more than four decades. Aside from the famous wats and Royal buildings, the city's most famous landmarks — from Chaktomuk conference hall to the Council of Ministers building — are all Molyvann's. He has also designed many of Cambodia's embassies abroad. This period of architecture is also known as the "Golden Age" of Phnom Penh.

In 1968, Molyvann designed the 40,000 capacity olympic National Sports Complex which was once the most prized arena in all of Southeast Asia. The stadium is still the largest venue in Cambodia. That same year the Preah Suramarit National Theatre (Cambodia's national theatre) was built. He has designed the Independence monument in the city.

In 1972, Vann Molyvann relocated to Switzerland during the Khmer Rouge with his family. He worked for the UN Human Settlements Program for 10 years before eventually returning to Cambodia in 1993 where he served as minister of Culture, Fine Arts, Urban and Country Planning.

Some of his buildings are now under threat due to redevelopment and financial speculation. His landmark National Theatre and the Council of Ministers building have been ripped down.

Works

* Phnom Penh National Olympic Stadium
* National Theatre
* Council of Ministers building
* Independence Monument

Literature

* Vann Molyvann. "Modern Khmer Cities". Reyum, Phnom Penh, 2003.

External links and sources

* [http://www.fcccambodia.com/newsletter/0806/vann-molyvann.php Fcccambodia.com]
* [http://www.ka-tours.org/ Khmer Architecture Tours] Guided tours around Phnom Penh highlighting his buildings