Vann Molyvann

Vann Molyvann[1] (Khmer: វណ្ណ ម៉ូលីវណ្ណ; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect. During the Sangkum Reastr Niyum regime (1955–1970) Prince Norodom Sihanouk enacted a development policy encompassing the whole kingdom with the construction of new towns, infrastructure and architecture. Vann was the foremost of a generation of architects who contributed to the unique style of architecture that emerged during this era and that has been coined New Khmer Architecture. In 1997 Darryl Collins Historian and Helen Grant Ross Architect Historian, two lecturers at the Royal University of Fine Arts, Phnom Penh, questioned the history behind this heritage of modern architecture that all could see throughout the land, but that everybody had forgotten due to the troubled history of the Kingdom. After nearly 10 years of research in 2006 they published the facts. In the meantime they produced exhibitions, participated in university conferences, and wrote many articles in the press about the phenomenon known as New Khmer Architecture, and the accomplishments of Vann Molyvann who was still alive and who they had interviewed lengthily.[2]

Vann Molyvann
Born(1926-11-23)23 November 1926
Ream, Kampot, Cambodia, French Indochina
(now in Sihanoukville, Cambodia)
DiedSeptember 28, 2017(2017-09-28) (aged 90)
Siem Reap, Cambodia
NationalityCambodian
EducationÉcole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts
Known forArchitecture
Notable work
Chaktomuk Conference Hall

Independence Monument

Institute of Foreign Languages

Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium

Royal University of Phnom Penh

White Building
MovementNew Khmer Architecture

Biography

Born in Ream, Kampot province in 1926,[3] Vann Molyvann obtained a scholarship to pursue his studies in Paris, France in 1946.[4] After one year of law, he switched to architecture at the School of Fine Arts in Paris (École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts). He studied 1947-1954 in the Arretche studio[5] and returned in 1956, the first fully qualified Cambodian architect, keen to put his talents to use. He was promptly appointed Head of Public Works and State Architect by Sihanouk.

During this post-independence era "a great architectural legacy remains to bear witness to what many Cambodians still view as the Golden Age"'pp 259 opus cit Grant Ross, Helen and Collins, Darryl Leon: Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970. Vann built such famous landmarks as Chaktomuk Conference Hall, the Council of Ministers and the State Palace in the capital. He supervised the design and construction of new towns such as Tioulongville (Kirirom) and Sihanoukville (Kompong Som) and important town plans such as the Bassac development in Phnom Penh, where a mix of cultural facilities such as the National Theatre Preah Suramarit and the Exhibition Hall neighboured with large housing experiments. He also designed many of Cambodia's embassies and exhibitions abroad.

In 1962, Molyvann designed the 60,000 capacity National Sports Complex[6] which was once the most prized arena in all of Southeast Asia. The stadium, built to Olympic standards, is still the largest venue in Cambodia. Initially built at break-neck speed to house the 1963 Asian Games that were then cancelled, it was inaugurated in 1964 to an enthusiastic crowd. It hosted such important events as the GANEFO games and the President of France, Charles de Gaulle’s state visit, in 1966.

In 1970 the Sangkum Reastr Niyum came to a brutal end with the coup d'état led by General Lon Nol. Vann, who had been the Sangkum's longest serving Minister of Education,[7] relocated to Switzerland with his family.[8] He worked for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme for 10 years before eventually returning to Cambodia in 1991 where he served as President of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Culture, Fine Arts, Town and Country Planning. In 2008 he completed his doctoral thesis on the development and planning of Asian cities entitled Modern Khmer Cities.[4]

Many of his buildings are now under threat due to redevelopment and speculative land deals. His landmark National Theatre and the Council of Ministers building were demolished in 2008.[9] The National Sports Complex was sold to a private developer in 2001 who has filled up its vital hydraulic system, consisting of moats and water treatment stations, with shoddy constructions, hence compromising its survival.

Works

From 1955 to 1970, Vann built nearly 100 projects. The following are some of the most significant:

Phnom Penh

Sihanoukville
  • National Bank of Cambodia and staff housing
  • SKD Brewery and staff housing

Death

Vann Molyvann died on September 28, 2017, at his home in Siem Reap city, aged 90.[12] He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.[13]

Legacy

In 2013, Vann Molyvann won Nikkei Asia Prize 2013 in the culture category. His works on famous landmarks such as the Olympic Stadium and the Independence Monument were highly recognized.[14] Nikkei Asia Prizes was launched by Nikkei 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.

Notes
  1. Grant Ross Helen and Collins Darryl Leon: Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970, Bangkok: The Key Publisher, 2006 ISBN 974-93412-1-X Chapter 7 devoted entirely to Vann Molyvann
  2. opus cit Chapter 4 Modern Traditional "What was so unique about New Khmer Architecture?" pp101-138
  3. "The Man who built Cambodia". Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  4. ppp_webadmin (25 January 2013). "Vann Molyvann: my legacy will disappear". Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  5. Grant Ross, Helen and Collins, Darryl Leon, Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970, Bangkok, The Key Publisher, 2006 ISBN 974-93412-1-X pp230-231
  6. Gerles, François, Grant Ross, Helen, L'urbanisme du Sangkum Reastr Niyum X "La saga du stade olympique", Cambodge Soir, 20-22 Sep 02, p 10-15
  7. Ayres, David M. (2000). Anatomy of a Crisis: Education, Development, and the State in Cambodia, 1953-1998. University of Hawaii Press. p. 100. ISBN 978-0-8248-2238-5.
  8. "Documentary celebrates Cambodia's most renowned architect". 21 February 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  9. Roasa, Dustin (14 November 2010). "Vann Molyvann: Cambodia's forgotten architect". Retrieved 28 September 2017 – via LA Times.
  10. 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
  11. Steinglass, Matt (15 May 2005). "The City He Built". Retrieved 28 September 2017 – via www.nytimes.com.
  12. "Architect Vann Molyvann dies in Siem Reap at 90". The Phnom Penh Post. 28 September 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  13. Fawthrop, Tom. "Vann Molyvann obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  14. "Nikkei Asia Prizes 2013". Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  1. Grant Ross Helen and Collins Darryl Leon: Building Cambodia: 'New Khmer Architecture' 1953-1970, Bangkok: The Key Publisher, 2006 ISBN 974-93412-1-X Chapter 7 devoted entirely to Vann Molyvann
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