Design Dialogue: Echoes of Innovation

Join prominent voices in design for an insightful dialogue on Cambodia’s architectural landscape, where the vernacular meets the contemporary. This event is part of the Modern Architecture: Echoes + Reflections-a major exhibition dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and enduring influence of the New Khmer Architecture movement.
This dialogue is dedicated to exploring lesser-seen vernacular inspired contemporary architecture projects by local and international architects-alongside students. Through case studies spanning residential projects, spiritual spaces, schools, community centres and spaces, the discussion will explore the real-world challenges of shaping spaces for and with Cambodia’s diverse communities.
Our panel of architects, designers, and community organisers - representing London-based Of Architecture, Siem Reap-based UAD Architects, Phnom Penh-based Hiroshima House and Chen Dam Daek (ចិនដំដែក) Project, as part of Southeast Asia Neighborhoods Network - will examine the challenges and responsibilities of designing architecture that resonates with cultural depth and community needs.
The keynote will be delivered by Pen Sereypagna, director of New Khmer - Architecture (NK-A) and the Vann Molyvann Project. Co-author of Genealogy of Bassac (UR Terreform, 2021)-recipient of the 2019 Graham Publication Award-he is currently a PhD candidate in Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Hong Kong. His research on Phnom Penh’s urban form and Cambodian modernist architecture has been showcased in exhibitions and presentations across Cambodia, Taiwan, Australia, the United States, and Southeast Asia.