Chaktomuk Conference Hall

The Chaktomuk Conference Hall (Khmer: សាលសន្និសីទចតុមុខ, French: Salle de conférence Chaktomuk) is a theatre located in the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The fan-shaped hall is one of the most iconic works of famous Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann and opened in 1961 as La Salle de Conference Chaktomuk. Mainly used for the purpose of conducting ceremonies for foreign governors, the hall is a designed concrete structure which radiates in a fan shape referencing a palm leaf. The design combines traditional building elements (Khmer architecture) with a modern structure. Most of the events that take place in the hall are performance art and meetings of high class like royalties and presidents.

Chaktomuk Conference Hall
General information
Architectural styleKhmer architecture
Completed1961
Design and construction
ArchitectVann Molyvann

History
Chaktomuk Conference Hall in 1961

In 1961, Chaktomuk Conference Hall was originally opened as La Salle de Conference Chaktomuk. Many important government meetings would, at a majority take place in this very hall for conference purposes. Later on, 1991 this hall designated for redevelopment as a restaurant. With a great view of the Tonle Sap river, the customers had a great review. After a harmful yet devastating fire took place at the hall, it partly destroyed the hall that ruined the structure.[1]

The Chaktomuk Conference Hall in Phnom Penh has undergone several changes and was completely remodeled in the year 2000 mainly to provide international standard facilities for conferences, seminars and lectures. But because of the flexible design, Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Phnom Penh is used as a theater hall only for special programs and concerts organized by Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Cambodia.

Design

Idea

The hall combines traditional Khmer elements with modern structural design. The design behind this structure was created by Vann Molyvann, one of the major practitioners of New Khmer Architecture.

To bring out the culture he was raised in, the building was designed as a concrete structure radiating in a fan, made to represent a palm leaf. The location was also a set back to the hall with a 270-degree view that can see the full views of the 4 rivers cross together forming a tributary to the spectacular view. It also included novel bio-climate features.[2]

Concept

The hall was made to accommodate 850 people. It was designed to have an open-space area that functioned as a multi-purpose room. Ventilation in tropical buildings is one of the most important features, which is provided here from the ground floor flowing up toward the backstage to flow in both directions.

The seating areas were made from the ground floor from the back of the building flowing underneath of the stage, an unusual design that made one of Cambodia's major attractions. To avoid the heat that was transmitted from the sunlight in the hall, a double roof was installed. 4 main entry doors were planned, with exits on the sides of the room to make it easy for the audience to enter and leave without disturbing the performers. The building's peculiar fan-shape enables the audience to have the full view of the stage without the need for standing up.[3]

Events

Chaktomuk Conference hall used to be a restaurant then theatre but this hall nowadays is mainly used for the conference, lectures and occasional performing art activities.[4]

2009
  • King Norodom Sihamoni congratulate disabled Chinese artists at Chaktomuk Conference Hall[5]

2014
  • Royal Palace Minister Kong Sam Ol announced an event about the Water Festival nightmare that happen in 2010 which killed 353 people on the bridge to Koh Pich island in the hall.[6]

References
  1. "Chaktomuk Theatre". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  2. Brady, Brendan. "Celebrating the past | Phnom Penh Post". www.phnompenhpost.com. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
  3. "Drawings". The Vann Molyvann Project. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  4. "Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Attraction in Phnom Penh | Tourism Cambodia". www.tourismcambodia.com. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  5. Green, Nathan. "King has royal pedigree in arts | Phnom Penh Post". www.phnompenhpost.com. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
  6. Sovuthy, Khy (2014-09-10). "Royal Palace Announces Water Festival Curfew". The Cambodia Daily. Retrieved 2019-10-06.


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