Vann Molyvann Project Going Strong | Heritage Watch - Preserving thePast, Enriching the Future

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The Vann Molyvann Project continues to raise awareness and document the extraordinary, and threatened, collection of buildings by Cambodia’s most prominent architect of the 1960’s.

Below is a summary of their incredible work to date.

1. Building Survey and Documentation
The VMP have now surveyed and drawn what they believe are Vann Molyvann’s six most important buildings. The record the VMP are creating will ensure that if the demolitions continue—and that is the current trend—there will at least be a record available for future architects, students, scholars and the general public. But there are still nine buildings left to deal with in the very busy period remaining through the end of September—when the VMP reach their deadlines for the production of materials to exhibit, publish and archive.

Recently completed surveys:

The State Palace (now the Cambodian Senate) was inaugurated in 1966. In its original condition it was an open-air complex of terraces, walkways and sunken gardens sheltered under an folded and cantilevered concrete roof—the design of which allows for enormous clean spans and incorporate an ingenious double shell for ventilation above the enclosed areas. The buildings were primarily used for state functions (read glamorous parties)—which took place on the large central terrace. This terrace has now been walled in and contains the senate chambers—but in most respects the building is in fairly good shape. Some drawings are below.

State Reception Hall Phnom Penh

The State Reception Halls, an early commission from 1962, were used for small gatherings, visits by foreign dignitaries and performances of traditional dance and film. The halls are an exquisite grouping of small buildings interconnected with terraces and reflecting ponds.

The 100 Houses project, completed in 1967 to house workers of the National Bank of Cambodia, is a collection of 100 identical houses on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The buildings are inspired by traditional Cambodian wood houses but rendered in refined modern detail. Some are in an advanced state decay, others have been extensively modified or replaced by oversized luxury villas—a few are reasonably well preserved. One owner kindly provided access to a very well maintained home. The VMP also made their way into a partially collapsed house—sad to see but helpful as the VMP could get a good look at the structure.

Selected surveys completed:

The Institute of Foreign Languages: Vann Molyvann’s last building before he fled. A masterpiece that combines all the elements he developed over his long career.

The National Sports Complex. The single most important public space in Phnom Penh.   This enormous complex shows a mastery of structure and scale—but it also works at the simplest of levels. It is cool in the main arena, shaded areas abound, and it is intensively used by the public at all times of day.

Vann Molyvann’s House. Elegant and simple in plan and section—complex and exquisite in detail.   No opportunity was left unexplored—a fantastic example of an architect left to his own devices. The enthusiasm for detail recalls Paul Rudolph’s apartment in New York or the John Soane house in London.

In the works:
The VMP are currently surveying the Chaktomuk Conference Hall. Completed in 1961, it was Vann Molyvann’s first major commission. A fan shaped building with a folded concrete roof it is one of Phnom Penh’s most important landmarks. Process images below

House for the Mother of Norodom Sirivuth, completed in the late 1950’s, is one of the few villas designed by Vann Molyvann in Phnom Penh. Their field work is largely complete—some drafting work remains.

Coming up:
Capitol Cinema, Phnom Penh
Sangkum Reastr Niyum Exhibition Halls
House of Penn Nouth, Phnom Penh
Pasteur Institute,. Phnom Penh
National Bank of Cambodia, Sihanoukville Branch
SKD Brewery, Sihanoukville
Church of St. Michel, Sihanoukville

2. Advocacy

Raising awareness about the outstanding quality and cultural significance of these buildings, and the importance of their preservation, is central to their mission.   These buildings need to be known and talked about by scholars, architects, students and the general public around the world.   Their efforts to date on this front include:

·         A retrospective at the Phnom Penh French Cultural Center in late September.
·         An article for Perspecta, the Yale School of Architecture Journal.
·         Princeton Architectural Press has expressed interest in publishing a monograph. Interviews with the Wall Street Journal, Dwell, Conde Nast and La Liberation.
·         Publication in the Phnom Penh Post and La Liberation

3. How you can get involved
Volunteer:

The VMP have been joined by several experienced architects and students form around the world.   All have donated their time, talents to come to Cambodia--the skill and dedication they brought has made this project possible.

Participants have included Kurt Evans, Juenan Wu, Kevin Blusewicz, Terri Lee, Nancy Nichols, Garret Wong, Yasemin Tarhan, Ryan Fitzgerald, Kyle Brooks, Maeve Staunton, Courtney Smith-Frank and Eric Robinson, Leakhena Setha, Yaroslavna Podolitaskaya. Cambodian participants have included Yam Sokly, Yivchhoy Chhuong, Veng Sopagna, Pen Serey Pagna, Bun Chan Dara and Yin Sotheara.

The VMP are now looking for people with the following skills to join us through the end of September:

Architects and architectural students with experience in site survey, drafting, building physical and computer models and exhibition design
Graphic Designers who can help us put together materials for publication and exhibition (much of this type of work can be done without coming to Cambodia)
Writers/researchers to help prepare materials for publication and exhibition
Architectural photographers—important for all aspects of their work.

For more information contact;
Bill Greaves
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