25 Facts About Vann Molyvann

Vann Molyvann was a Cambodian architect and urban planner.

Vann Molyvann 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.

Vann Molyvann was appointed head of APSARA, in charge of conserving the temples of Angkor, until his dismissal in 2001 following disputes with the government.

Vann Molyvann was born in Ream, Kampot province, in 1926 during the French protectorate to a poor family.

Vann Molyvann remained in Paris for several more years, studying from 1947 to 1954 in the Arretche studio and working as an architect.

Vann Molyvann knew Khieu Samphan, future Khmer Rouge leader, from his time as a student studying Khmer art at the Sorbonne.

Vann Molyvann supervised the design and construction of new towns such as Tioulongville and Sihanoukville 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.

Vann Molyvann designed many of Cambodia's embassies and exhibitions abroad.

In 1967, Molyvann was appointed the Minister of Education by Sihanouk.

Vann Molyvann adapted his designs to Cambodia's climate and weather into his design through adding air holes for ventilation, drainage and irrigation for heavy rain, and natural light.

Vann Molyvann cited Le Corbusier and UK garden cities as influences.

In 1962, Molyvann designed the 60,000 capacity National Sports Complex.

Vann Molyvann chose not to return then as the subsequent rulers were "still communists".

Vann Molyvann spent 10 years working for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.

Vann Molyvann successfully applied to have his house returned to him.

Vann Molyvann was appointed head of Authority for the Protection of the Site and Management of the Region of Angkor, where Molyvann was instrumental in preserving the temples of Angkor by ensuring large hotels were built outside the borders of the temple complex.

Vann Molyvann successfully advocated for the temples to be granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.

In 2008, Molyvann completed his doctoral thesis on the development and planning of Asian cities entitled Modern Khmer Cities.

Later in life, Molyvann expressed resentment that modern urban development in Phnom Penh was failing to consider its environment and water management, creating greater risk of flooding.

Vann Molyvann died on 28 September 2017, at his home in Siem Reap city, aged 90.

Vann Molyvann's assistant said he had died of old age and was not sick.

Vann Molyvann was survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.

Vann Molyvann's funeral was held on 1 October 2017 in Siem Reap, with some of his ashes released into the water to the east of Angkor Wat before dawn, and others beside a stupa that Molyvann had designed.

The Vann Molyvann Project was established in 2009 to raise awareness of New Khmer Architecture among local architects.

In 2013, Vann Molyvann won the Nikkei Asia Prize in the culture category.