Treeline Urban Resort – based in the historical Cambodian city of Siem Reap recently announced that it will host a public exhibition honouring the nation’s most prolific architect, the late Vann Molyvann, showcasing his ground-breaking work, and its modern application for ecological architecture.
Treeline Urban Resort – based in the historical Cambodian city of Siem Reap recently announced that it will host a public exhibition honouring the nation’s most prolific architect, the late Vann Molyvann, showcasing his ground-breaking work, and its modern application for ecological architecture.
To be held from April to June 30th, 2019, the exhibition – titled “Learning from the Past: Collection of Vann Molyvann Project” – will be set in the resort’s distinctive open-air gallery and will present eight buildings, each representing the typology the renowned architect has worked on throughout his illustrious career.
The exhibition’s theme will focus on “the specific elements of a really Khmer ecological architecture”. These are the words that Molyvann used to describe the need for buildings to adapt to modern materials and construction techniques – such as the effective utilisation of water, natural light and ventilation – while maintaining key elements of Cambodia’s unique culture, climate and building environment.
Late Mr. Vann Molyvann (portrait by Sea Globe Magazine)
Often described as ‘the man who built Cambodia’, Molyvann was born and raised in the Southwestern Cambodian region of Kampot (today known as Sihanoukville), before earning a scholarship to study at the prestigious School of Fine Arts (École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts) in Paris. Upon completing his studies, he made Cambodian history by becoming the country’s first fully-qualified architect.
Soon after returning to his homeland, he was appointed to a series of governmental and academic postings. As part of Prince Norodom Sihanouk national development policy between 1955 and 1970, Molyvann was commissioned to design multiple large-scale public projects including the iconic Independence Monument, State Palace, National Theatre, National Sports Complex, in addition to state residences, ministries, housing developments and academic buildings.
One of the many models
“Modernity should not be inspired superficially by Western ideas that destroy all traces of the past,” said the late Molyvann about melding modern ideas with Cambodia’s rich socio-cultural heritage. “New buildings should bring tradition and heritage back to life.”
Hok Kang, the founder of Treeline Urban Resort, wanted to pay homage to the late Molyvann, and the platform that he gave to future Cambodian architects, ushering in a new era of contemporary design in the country.
“I wanted to commemorate the works of Cambodia’s greatest icon, the late Mr Vann Molyvann, and it is with great honour and gratitude that we will be hosting the Learning from the Past exhibition,” said Hok Kang. “Treeline Urban Resort is a beautiful sanctuary where art and design lovers can come together under one roof and celebrate talented Cambodian artists and designers.”
“As the guests navigate through the architectural models, drawings, photographs, information panels and maps, they will be transported to the Sangkum era as the spirit of Mr Vann Molyvann’s work comes alive,” added Hok Kang. “This will also be the last time the public and admirers of Molyvann will be able to see his architectural models before they are transported to the M+ museum in Hong Kong. It is a privilege to host such a fascinating exhibition, and I believe a fitting tribute to the life and work of the Cambodian maestro.”
To book your stay and see the exhibition at Treeline Urban Resort, go to this link: https://www.treelinehotels.com/