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Vann Molyvann

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In thisCambodian name,thesurnameisVann.In accordance with Cambodian custom, this person should be referred to by thegiven name,Molyvann.
Vann Molyvann
Vann Molyvann
Born(1926-11-23)23 November 1926
Kampot province,Cambodia
Died28 September 2017(2017-09-28)(aged 90)
Siem Reap,Cambodia
Alma materÉcole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts
OccupationArchitect
MovementNew Khmer Architecture
Modernism
Buildings

Vann Molyvann[1](Khmer:វណ្ណ ម៉ូលីវណ្ណ;23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodianarchitectandurban planner.Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known asNew Khmer Architecture,which combinedmodernismandKhmer tradition,and accounted for the country's unique environment and irrigation needs.

During Cambodia'spost-independence periodbetween 1957 and 1970, Molyvann was appointed byNorodom Sihanoukto reshape and modernise Cambodia through the construction ofnew towns,infrastructure andarchitecture.He is credited with modernising the nation's capitalPhnom Penhand designing several iconic landmarks, including theIndependence Monument,Chaktomuk Conference HallandOlympic Stadium.[2]During theCambodian Civil WarandPol Pot regime,he lived in exile inSwitzerland,returning to Cambodia in 1991. He was appointed head ofAPSARA,in charge of conserving the temples ofAngkor,until his dismissal in 2001 following disputes with the government. Incontemporary Cambodia,many of his buildings and city plans fell into neglect or were demolished by unplanned development. He died in 2017 at age 90.

Early life

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Vann Molyvann was born inReam,Kampot province, in 1926 during theFrench protectorateto a poor family.[3][2]After being the first student to pass theBacc IIat Preah Sisowath High School in 1944,[4]Molyvann obtained a scholarship to pursue studies inParis,France in 1946.[5]After one year of law, he switched toarchitectureat the School of Fine Arts in Paris (École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts), after being inspired by a meeting withHenri Marchal,the curator of Angkor at theÉcole Française d'Extrême-Orient.[6]He studied architecture underLe Corbusier.[6]He remained in Paris for several more years, studying from 1947 to 1954 in the Arretche studio[7]and working as an architect.[2]He knewKhieu Samphan,future Khmer Rouge leader, from his time as a student studyingKhmer artat theSorbonne.[6]

New Khmer Architecture

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I realized that there was no need to invent anything, TheKhmerhad been the best of farmers, and the system of prek and boeng, or canals and ponds, truly is theirrigationsystem that we must perfect and continue to use.

Vann Molyvann, 2003[8]

Molyvann returned to Cambodia in 1956 during itsSangkum Reastr Niyumera as one of only a handful of trained Cambodian architects, whom PrinceNorodom Sihanoukcalled on to lead the design of new state infrastructure. As the most qualified architect, Molyvann was promptly appointed Head of Public Works andState Architect.[3][8][9]During thispost-independence era,Molyvann designed and built over 100 structures, including many famous landmarks such asChaktomuk Conference Hall,the Council of Ministers and the State Palace in the capital.[7][9]He supervised the design and construction ofnew townssuch as Tioulongville (Kirirom) andSihanoukville(Kompong Som) and important town plans such as theBassacdevelopment in Phnom Penh, where a mix of cultural facilities such as theNational Theatre Preah Suramaritand the Exhibition Hall neighboured with large housing experiments. He also designed many of Cambodia's embassies and exhibitions abroad.[7]Sihanouk also commissionedlow-cost housingdevelopments in several districts of the city.[10]

Molyvann took inspiration from ancientKhmer architectureforwater managementand canals in his projects.

Inspired by the numerous universities in post-independenceIndonesia,Sihanouk also ordered Molyvann to create theRoyal University of Phnom Penh.Molyvann proceeded to coalesce a council for the new university by meeting students, teachers and scholars around the country.[5]In 1967, Molyvann was also appointed theMinister of Educationby Sihanouk.[5]

Molyvann developed a unique style that combined traditionalKhmer designwithmodernismthat became known asNew Khmer Architecture.[2]He also adapted his designs to Cambodia's climate and weather into his design through addingair holes for ventilation,drainage and irrigation for heavy rain, and natural light.[11]Stilted buildings also created shaded social areas underneath houses.[10]He citedLe CorbusierandUK garden citiesas influences.[9]

In 1962, Molyvann designed the 60,000 capacityNational Sports Complex.[12]The stadium, built toOlympicstandards, was the largest venue in Cambodia, with a moat around it to prevent flooding.[2]Molyvann considered this project his greatest achievement.[9]Built in less than two years with the intent for it to house the1963 Southeast Asian Peninsular Gamesthat were then awarded to Indonesia, it was only inaugurated in 1964, and became known as the Olympic Stadium.[3]It hosted such important events as theGANEFOgames[6]and the President of France,Charles de Gaulle's state visit, in 1966.[13]

Impressed with his work in Phnom Penh,Lee Kuan Yewoffered Molyvann the opportunity to helpdesigna newSingapore,which he declined.[2]

Civil War and Khmer Rouge era

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In 1970 the Sangkum Reastr Niyum came to a brutal end with thecoup d'étatled by GeneralLon Nol.Molyvann had been the Sangkum's longest serving Minister of Education[14]and was a likely target to reprisals from the new regime due to his close relationship with Sihanouk. He and his family relocated toSwitzerlandwith the help of the ambassador to Israel.[15][6]During theKhmer Rouge era,many of his buildings were abandoned or used as imprisonment or execution sites after Phnom Penh wasforcibly evacuated.[16]The Khmer Rouge unsuccessfully attempted to destroy the National Bank in Sihanoukville, and used the Sports Complex for mass rallies.[9]Molyvann's father and several of his family members perished in theCambodian genocide.[6]After the Khmer Rouge fell in 1979, many of his buildings were used by the returning population but fell into disrepair and neglect.[16]He chose not to return then as the subsequent rulers were "still communists".[6]

While in Switzerland, he continued to work as an architect, as well as working on urban development for theWorld Bank.[6]He also spent 10 years working for theUnited Nations Human Settlements Programme.[16]

Return to Cambodia

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Molyvann returned to Cambodia in 1991 where he served as President of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Culture, Fine Arts, Town and Country Planning.[16]He successfully applied to have hishousereturned to him.[16]He was also appointed head ofAuthority for the Protection of the Site and Management of the Region of Angkor (APSARA),where Molyvann was instrumental in preserving the temples ofAngkorby ensuring large hotels were built outside the borders of the temple complex.[16]He also successfully advocated for the temples to be grantedWorld Heritage Sitestatus byUNESCO.[6]In 2001, he was removed from his post in APSARA over disputes with the government over who should benefit from admissions to the temples, and how the area should be developed.[8][6]Molyvann had wanted a separate "tourist village" to be built separate from both the temples and Siem Reap's old town, withwater conservationas a key goal.[6]

By the early 21st century, Molyvann's urban planning and many of his buildings were under threat due to redevelopment,urban sprawl,corruptionand speculative land deals.[17][8]His landmarkNational Theatrewas destroyed in a fire in 1994, and the Council of Ministers building was demolished in 2008.[17]TycoonKith Mengagreed to rebuild the theatre in 2005 in exchange for the rights to the surrounding land.[16]One of Molyvann's housing developments, by then known as theWhite Building,had become aslum,and was declared hazardous by authorities and torn down in 2017.[10]In 2008, Molyvann completed his doctoral thesis on the development and planning of Asian cities entitled Modern Khmer Cities.[5]

Later in life, Molyvann expressed resentment that modernurban developmentin Phnom Penh was failing to consider its environment and water management, creating greater risk of flooding.[16]For this he was critical ofHun Senand the rulingCambodian People's Party,and expressed support for theCambodia National Rescue Partyin 2014.[9]The National Sports Complex was sold to a private developer in 2001 which filled up its vital hydraulic system, consisting of moats and water treatment stations, with shoddy constructions, hence compromising its survival and increasing flood risk.[16]Molyvann expressed his anger at these changes, arguing "The Taiwanese company see it as a profit-making building; they have no concept of art. We created that building out of the traditions of Angkorian architecture. But the government doesn't care about all that tradition."[9]

Death

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Vann Molyvann died on 28 September 2017, at his home inSiem Reapcity, aged 90.[18]His assistant said he had died of old age and was not sick.[4]He was survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.[2]Prime ministerHun Senand Thai Naraksathya, secretary of state at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, all offered condolences to Molyvann's family and acknowledged Molyvann's impact and legacy.[4]His funeral was held on 1 October 2017 in Siem Reap, with some of his ashes released into the water to the east ofAngkor Watbefore dawn, and others beside astupathat Molyvann had designed.[19]

Legacy

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His work in modernisingPhnom Penhwhilst incorporating traditional designs and the local environmental conditions led to him being nicknamed "the man who built Cambodia".[2][3]The Vann Molyvann Project was established in 2009 to raise awareness of New Khmer Architecture among local architects.[10]In 2013, Vann Molyvann won theNikkei Asia Prizein the culture category. His works on famous landmarks such as the Olympic Stadium and the Independence Monument were highly recognized. Nikkei Asia Prizes was launched byNikkei Inc.in 1996, the awards program honours people in Asia who have made significant contributions in three areas: regional growth, science, technology and innovation, and culture.[20]In 2016, he was the subject of a documentary titledThe Man Who Built Cambodia,narrated byMatt Dillon.[8]

Molyvann's 100 Houses remained a residential area at the time of his death, despite limited conservation work taking place on the buildings.[21]The Olympic Stadium also remains a popular public space for Phnom Penh residents.[15]

As a result of the war, Molyvann remained obscure in Cambodia and internationally until near the end of his life.[9][2]He remains an influential figure for local architects.[11]In his obituaryThe New York Timescommented that by the time of his death, Molyvann was widely respected by many Cambodians for his vision and integrity.[8]

Notable works

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Phnom Penh

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Sihanoukville

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Notes

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  1. ^Grant Ross Helen and Collins Darryl Leon: Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970, Bangkok: The Key Publisher, 2006ISBN974-93412-1-XChapter 7 devoted entirely to Vann Molyvann
  2. ^abcdefghijFawthrop, Tom (17 October 2017)."Vann Molyvann obituary".The Guardian.Retrieved18 October2017.
  3. ^abcdefg"The Man who built Cambodia".Uncube.3 March 2015.Retrieved28 September2017.
  4. ^abcKhy, Sovuthy (29 September 2017)."Nation mourns legendary architect Vann Molyvann".Khmer Times.
  5. ^abcdKnox, Claire (25 January 2013)."Vann Molyvann: my legacy will disappear".The Phnom Penh Post.Archived fromthe originalon 7 July 2014.Retrieved28 September2017.
  6. ^abcdefghijkVater, Tom (27 May 2010)."Modern Masterpieces".The Wall Street Journal.
  7. ^abcGrant Ross, Helen and Collins, Darryl Leon,Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970,Bangkok, The Key Publisher, 2006ISBN974-93412-1-Xpp230-231
  8. ^abcdefWallace, Julia (28 September 2017)."Vann Molyvann, Architect Who Shaped Cambodia's Capital, Dies at 90".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved3 July2024.
  9. ^abcdefgh"Vann Molyvann: the unsung hero of Phnom Penh architecture".South China Morning Post.8 February 2014.Retrieved3 July2024.
  10. ^abcde"Cambodia's disappearing modernist architecture".The Economist.ISSN0013-0613.Retrieved3 July2024.
  11. ^abRaksmey, Hong (6 May 2019)."The man who built Cambodia".Phnom Penh Post.
  12. ^Gerles, François, Grant Ross, Helen, L'urbanisme du Sangkum Reastr Niyum X"La saga du stade olympique",Cambodge Soir, 20-22 Sep 2, p 10-15
  13. ^TIME (9 September 1966)."Cambodia: A Message for the U.S."TIME.Retrieved3 July2024.
  14. ^Ayres, David M. (2000).Anatomy of a Crisis: Education, Development, and the State in Cambodia, 1953-1998.University of Hawaii Press. p. 100.ISBN978-0-8248-2238-5.
  15. ^ab"Documentary celebrates Cambodia's most renowned architect".ABC News.21 February 2015.Retrieved28 September2017.
  16. ^abcdefghijSteinglass, Matt (15 May 2005)."The City He Built".The New York Times.Retrieved28 September2017.
  17. ^abRoasa, Dustin (14 November 2010)."Vann Molyvann: Cambodia's forgotten architect".Retrieved28 September2017– via LA Times.
  18. ^"Architect Vann Molyvann dies in Siem Reap at 90".The Phnom Penh Post.28 September 2017.Retrieved28 September2017.
  19. ^Phak, Seangly; Handley, Erin (2 October 2017)."Vann Molyvann, visionary architect who shaped Phnom Penh, receives a final farewell in Siem Reap".Phnom Penh Post.
  20. ^"Nikkei Asia Prizes 2013".Retrieved9 June2013.
  21. ^ab"For Vann Molyvann's 100 Houses, Little Hope of Conservation".Voice of America.7 December 2017.Retrieved3 July2024.
  22. ^HANNING, Gerald, BODIANSKY, Vladimir, VANN Molyvann, « "le complexe olympique et forum de Phnom Penh - dans la grande tradition angkorienne" », Techniques et Architecture vol 25, 1964 ↑ (it) HANNING, Gerald, BODIANSKY, Vladimir, VANN Molyvann, « "complesso olimpico des Sud-Est Asiatico foro della citta di Phnom Penh" », Rassegna dei lavori pubbici vol 4, 1964 ↑ HANNING, Gerald, BODIANSKY, Vladimir, VANN Molyvann, « "le complexe sportif de Phnom Penh" », Cahiers du Centre Scientifique et Technique du Batiment vol 73, avril 1964 ↑ HANNING, Gerald, BODIANSKY, Vladimir, VANN Molyvann, « "le complexe olympique de Phnom Penh" », Architecture d'Aujourd'hui vol 34, 1964
  23. ^"Vann Molyvann: The Forgotten Masterpieces of Cambodia / Living Asean".LIVING ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle //.12 October 2016.Retrieved2 July2024.
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