Reimagining Phnom Penh Riverside Community
Project idea
The idea of this project is to address the growing disconnection between Phnom Penh's people and its river due to rapid urban development, loss of public space, and the decline of cultural traditions. Inspired by the city’s history of riverside trade, stilt architecture, and water-based festivals, this project proposes a revitalized space that reconnects land and water, everyday life and celebration, tradition and modern use. It aims to become a new place where people can meet, gather, and re-engage with the cultural identity of the riverside.
Project description
This project consists of three main parts:
A Market Plaza with food stalls, local product halls, and a multi-use upper floor
A Central Spine, an open-air circulation path used daily and transformed for seasonal events
A Riverside Walk, featuring a deck, amphitheater, and boat hub, physically connecting people to the water
The project integrates cultural programming and flexible architecture to serve multiple user groups—vendors, elders, youth, and tourists—throughout the day and year.
Technical information
The architectural structure combines concrete foundation with lightweight steel framing and timber finishes, referencing Khmer stilt house logic. Open-air elements and passive ventilation reduce heat, while shaded structures offer comfort for daily and seasonal use. Flood-adaptive design and elevated deck spaces increase resilience along the riverfront.
Documentation
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