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Cambodia 4.0

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As a technology gateway, Cambodia 4.0 is to lead Cambodia and its upcoming generations to step into the Future of Digitalization

  • Pavilion / Shaded
  • Terracing Concept
  • Hybrid Technology Campus
  • Interconnected from floor to floor

Year:

2020

Location:

Phnom Penh

GFA:

2020

Status:

Design Completion

Project Conception

The world industrial eras have moved from Agriculture (1.0), Manufacturing (2.0), Computation (3.0), and now, into the fourth era, Digitization. With the digital age being embraced globally, Cambodia 4.0 is what will present Cambodia’s own technological developments. This project will provide both a learning opportunity, and a showcase of Cambodia 4.0.

The rapidly evolving digital landscape utilizes rising technologies to create a new type of marketplace: E-commerce. This will pave the way for Cambodia 4.0, and in such, the function of the structure needs to reflect the uses and needs associated with it.


Development Brief

By combining art, design, and innovation, Cambodia 4.0 is designed to lead Cambodia’s future through the era of digitalization. The space will attract productivity and facilitate savvy digital nomads, whilst also providing the opportunity to train future generations digital literacy. Training for the next wave of entrepreneurs will be available, and a research center will provide useful technological insight into the past, present and future. 

The mixed-use building will feature an amphitheater, seminar halls, community spaces, a gallery, a library and a VR coffee shop. Technology will be celebrated at the Technology Center and Eco Park, also known simply as Techno Park. Meanwhile, recreational outdoor leisure areas will compliment the project to add further balance to the usages of the space.

Location

Situated to the South, on Hun Sen Boulevard, of the up-and-coming new city center of Boeung Tompun, Cambodia is a new gateway to connect Phnom Penh city to Krong Ta Khmao. This prime location provides connectivity between urban and rural, with an open public space next to a stream included to focus on the human centric aspects of the space.

Architectural Design Concept

As urban meets rural, and the physical meets the digital, the project was designed as a hybrid of architecture, landscape and the natural environment. 

Drawing inspiration from the Central Market, Psar Nat in Battambang, stepped pyramid temple in Koh Ker and houses on stilts along the Tonle Sap lake, bold terracing was implemented with a large space under a grand roof.  The building envelops the inside community. There is clear reflection of the traditional Khmer house style on a raised structure, with cross ventilation and energy efficiency intertwined. 

By utilizing pyramid terracing style, a fully accessible view is available from top to bottom, symbolizing inclusivity and progress through this towering design. 

Overall, the feelings flowing throughout the space evoke a warm, embracing sense of community as the elements of the building hug. 

Images by: Nataly Lee from Saat Studio

Space Design

We draw on our principles and take a human approach by prioritizing openness and welcoming aspects; the project created areas to bring people together. The connectivity of an open space under one roof allows a sense of community, enabling visibility and networking for all. 

Nature is important and woven through the design, with greenery growing over bold stone textures. Each step on the pyramid involves a planter to bring outdoor feelings to the indoor space.  

The nearby stream becomes involved in the flow of the project, incorporating landscape with function. This in turn makes a bustling hub with outdoor reading spaces, communal areas, coffee carts, sports complexes, and a boardwalk.



Project Highlights

Through inspiration from traditional architecture, Cambodia 4.0 draws parallels to pyramid style pagodas. It was important to involve lush landscapes with flowing green canopies of trees. The form and structure of the building represent not only imagining the future, but stepping beyond it and injecting positivity into the vision of tomorrow.

Exciting Challenges

  • Innovation cannot abandon practicality. We needed to find a balance to ensure the project is structurally practical, yet without compromising our vision.
  • Being able to connect offices to each other involved deep thought. By breaking limitations, we were able to connect offices from floor to floor. 

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We strive to design timeless and iconic spaces that people live and love in; spaces that will represent our culture and values to the future.

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