Another Vann bites the dust

Another treasure of New Khmer Architecture, the Council of Ministers building is being demolished for the sake of development. It wasn’t one of Vann Molyvann’s best works, but the simple fact that it was a Molyvann should have been enough to save it. Now it will be replaced by a monstrous concrete and glass shoebox.

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 most inspired buildings. He was the main architect of the New Khmer Architecture during the 1950s and 60s when Khmer culture flourished under the patronage of then-King Norodom Sihanouk. New Khmer Architecture was a brilliant and unique fusion of modernism and traditional Khmer architecture.

Unfortunately the current powers in charge don’t recognize New Khmer Architecture as being Khmer. (If it doesn’t look like Angkor Wat it’s not Cambodian. Colonial heritage however IS worth saving, because tourists like it and therefore it generates money.) Only a few of Vann’s works are in good shape, like Chaktomuk Theater and the Independence Monument. Others are in need of restoration, like the National Sports Stadium, and a few are sadly beyond saving, especially the burned-down Preah Suramarit National Theatre (Cambodia’s former national theatre) and the White Building, an innovative apartment building.
Future generations will be kicking themselves about the frantic rate all these wonderful buildings are being knocked down and replaced by big and boring, gaudy shoebox designs.