Vann Molyvann: National Heritage Disappearing
Vann Molyvann: National Heritage Disappearing
Vann Molyvann, the renowned Cambodian architect, is considered the founder of the modern Khmer architecture – first starting in the 1960s. Between 1956 and 1970, Mr Vann Molyvann completed nearly 100 projects both nationally and abroad.
The impact of his architecture is felt around numerous corners of the Kingdom and many are still talking about his architectural style which marvelously combined modern elements and nature. Local architects refer to him as “the father of Cambodian architecture with a “unique ability to incorporate Khmer style with natural elements, creating sustainable buildings where the air and sunshine flow from the inside out,” as said Ms. Lida from Re-Edge Architecture & Design.
Vann Molyvann’s architectural work:
Some of Molyvann’s most significant projects are The Independence Monument, The National Olympic Stadium, The Royal University of Phnom Penh, The Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Preah Suramarit National Theater, Building of the Council of Ministers and The State Palace in Chamkarmon – now the place of Senate.
There are also several of his projects which are less known by the general public such as the stupas within the Royal Palace, the Kantha Bopha Hospital, the first Siem Reap airport and Pavilions and Temples for the 2,500th anniversary of the Buddha.
Aside from the many projects he completed within the Kingdom, Mr Molyvann also worked on projects abroad such as the Exhibition Hall for the International Trade Fair in Osaka, Japan, the Exhibition Hall For the International Trade Fair of Zagreb, the Exhibition Hall at the International Trade Fair of Brno, Czechoslovakia, and the Exhibition at the Galleries Lafayette in Paris.
However, when asked in regards to his most loved architectural projects – these are all national: “The ones I love the most is the National Olympic Stadium and Preah Suramarit National Theater on Bassac in Phnom Penh. There are many other projects I was fond of, but unfortunately some of them have been replaced by new buildings or were destroyed,” said Mr Molyvann.
Renewing means disappearing?
As a matter of fact, the demolition of old architecture is a recurrent issue in Cambodia, which the photo expert and owner of the “Amazing Cambodia” page, Srin Sokmean, commented: “It is a great pain to witness those architectural heritages disappear one by one. I always question myself why they are destroyed and not suitably renovated.”
This is what pushed him to produce a vintage photo collection book named “Cambodia: Half Century Then & Now” which aims to enable people to visualize the beauty of Cambodia in the past and how the current landscape has been modified.
“I strongly believe that redecoration is the best option, because I believe that each building has its own attractive point. Development and architectural conservation need to go together” he added. Lastly he suggested “Old buildings are not always useless; instead they can be perfectly converted into museums, art galleries, boutique hotels or other amenities.”
Mrs. Teav Bandol, Sales Manager of Image Printing, also shares the same opinion and stated that, “During the development, many countries face the dilemma of whether to preserve or replace heritage buildings to give space for new development; sadly most countries choose the latter. Cambodia is no exception.”
She continued, “It should not be destroyed but preserved. Both old and new architectural work must be kept in its place in order for the public to witness the evolution from one generation to another. Doing so will help us to preserve the national identity and maintain sustainable development.”
Image Printing is taking the first steps towards this direction by planning to re-publish some books of Vann Molyvann to keep promoting his contributions to the next generation.
Bandol mentioned that the publication of these books are not just for the purpose of preserving Van Molyvann’s buildings – but it’s also “a demonstration of intelligence, knowledge and innovation in the architecture industry, which is a good example for the new generation to follow. Moreover, we cannot regain a building that was destroyed, but we can save every document for next generations.”
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Source: News – Real Estate Cambodia