Tuesday, July 01, 2008
The pearl of asia
Photos courtesy of UNESCO and the Documentation Center of Cambodia
In Phnom Penh, behind families sorting plastic from their hand-carts or beyond guarded gates, sit some fine examples of French colonial architecture. Glance upward next time you take a stroll around the city, look beyond the fences, peer down the alleyways and discover delicate remnants of the past. Unfortunately because of constant disregard for the fine architectural history of this city, it may well be your last glimpse.
When Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863, European influences settled upon the city, beautiful mansions popped up north of Wat Phnom and banks and schools were constructed. The infrastructure was developed and wide tree-lined boulevards stretched throughout the city.
In 1884 inner city canals were dredged and ornate over-bridges were constructed.
In Phnom Penh, behind families sorting plastic from their hand-carts or beyond guarded gates, sit some fine examples of French colonial architecture. Glance upward next time you take a stroll around the city, look beyond the fences, peer down the alleyways and discover delicate remnants of the past. Unfortunately because of constant disregard for the fine architectural history of this city, it may well be your last glimpse.
When Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863, European influences settled upon the city, beautiful mansions popped up north of Wat Phnom and banks and schools were constructed. The infrastructure was developed and wide tree-lined boulevards stretched throughout the city.In 1884 inner city canals were dredged and ornate over-bridges were constructed.
Phnom Penh continued to expand well into the 1920s and 1930s—the ‘Pearl of Asia’ began to gleam and prosper. The Monivong Bridge was built in 1929 and with it, the city gained access to the eastern side of the Tonle Bassac. In 1932 the capital’s railway station was built, as was the first line to Battambang in the north, and in 1935 the great art-deco dome of Phsar Thmei (New Market) reared above the city’s skyline.
King Sihanouk led the Sangkum Reastr Nyum period from the first year of Cambodia’s independence in 1954 until 1969. He prompted the construction of many unique public buildings, including the Olympic Stadium and Sports Complex in 1963 and the Preah Bat Soramrith National Theatre (now known as the Bassac Theater) in 1964. Cambodia’s famed architect Vann Molyvann says the only other Southeast Asian country with a bigger stadium than Cambodia is Indonesia.
After Pol Pot’s regime was toppled, Phnom Penh emerged a battered city. Following those tumultuous years, the Cambodian Government set to work to reconstruct some of the stately pre-war buildings of Phnom Penh, often selling or leasing properties to foreign investors.
When the first democratic election was held under the watchful gaze of UNTAC in 1993, the free market began to open its doors and privatization policies began. Many buildings and tracts of land were sold or leased to investors for development. This policy is continuing, with many private companies having a hand in repairing such buildings as the Preah Monivong Hospital, the Royal University of Fine Arts, the Old Stadium near the Cambodian-Japanese Friendship Bridge and the Tonle Bassac Theatre.
When the first democratic election was held under the watchful gaze of UNTAC in 1993, the free market began to open its doors and privatization policies began. Many buildings and tracts of land were sold or leased to investors for development. This policy is continuing, with many private companies having a hand in repairing such buildings as the Preah Monivong Hospital, the Royal University of Fine Arts, the Old Stadium near the Cambodian-Japanese Friendship Bridge and the Tonle Bassac Theatre.
Government officials say the 21st century is a "‘selling century’ for public land and buildings." Whether or not this is benefiting the city is a different story. Is the pearl losing its shine?
These photographs show a very different Phnom Penh.
These photographs show a very different Phnom Penh.
And now we have a new construction but the same style, type, viewing... as like before, mean it's look like the past.
# posted by FunMan @ 1:38 AM 
