Vann Molyvann

Vann Molyvann (; 23 November 1926 – 28 September 2017) was a Cambodian architect and urban planner. Molyvann is best known as pioneering the style known as New Khmer Architecture, which combined modernism and Khmer tradition, and accounted for the country's unique environment and irrigation needs.

During Cambodia's post-independence period between 1957 and 1970, Molyvann was appointed by Norodom Sihanouk to reshape and modernise Cambodia through the construction of new towns, infrastructure and architecture. He is credited with modernising the nation's capital Phnom Penh and designing several iconic landmarks, including the Independence Monument, Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Olympic Stadium. Molyvann obtained a scholarship to pursue studies in Paris, France, in 1946. After one year of law, he switched to architecture at the School of Fine Arts in Paris (École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts), after being inspired by a meeting with Henri Marchal, the curator of Angkor at the École Française d'Extrême-Orient. He studied architecture under Le Corbusier. and working as an architect. During this post-independence era, Molyvann designed and built over 100 structures, including many famous landmarks, such as Chaktomuk Conference Hall, the Council of Ministers and the State Palace in the capital. Molyvann took inspiration from ancient Khmer architecture for water management and canals in his projects. Inspired by the numerous universities in post-independence Indonesia, Sihanouk also ordered Molyvann to create the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Molyvann proceeded to coalesce a council for the new university by meeting students, teachers and scholars around the country. Stilted buildings also created shaded social areas underneath houses. The stadium, built to Olympic standards, was the largest venue in Cambodia, with a moat around it to prevent flooding.

Impressed with his work in Phnom Penh, Lee Kuan Yew offered Molyvann the opportunity to help design a new Singapore, which he declined. and was a likely target to reprisals from the new regime due to his close relationship with Sihanouk. He and his family relocated to Switzerland with the help of the ambassador to Israel. The Khmer Rouge unsuccessfully attempted to destroy the National Bank in Sihanoukville, and used the Sports Complex for mass rallies. Tycoon Kith Meng agreed to rebuild the theatre in 2005 in exchange for the rights to the surrounding land. His assistant said he had died of old age and was not sick. Prime minister Hun Sen and 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.

Legacy His work in modernising Phnom Penh whilst incorporating traditional designs and the local environmental conditions led to him being nicknamed "the man who built Cambodia". In 2016, he was the subject of a documentary titled The Man Who Built Cambodia, narrated by Matt Dillon. The Olympic Stadium also remains a popular public space for Phnom Penh residents. Council of Ministers State Palace Chaktomuk Conference Hall Teacher Training College White Building Independence Monument National Theatre Front du Bassac housing development Vann Molyvann House 100 Houses

Sihanoukville National Bank of Cambodia SKD Brewery and staff housing