Protection of Historic Architecture

Over the past year, HeritageWatch has focused its efforts on preserving the country’s archaeological sites, but the ongoing destruction of historical architecture— especially structures from the Colonial period and the Sangkum Reastr regime of the 1950s—has demanded action. HeritageWatch established its Heritage Architecture Project to preserve Phnom Penh’s architectural gems, which are rapidly being lost to unchecked development. These buildings showcase the Art Deco and Modernist periods, and many were built by internationally recognized Cambodian architects during the early years of independence.

We hope to encourage their preservation by increasing their visibility, acknowledging important structures with a plaque listing date of construction, architect, and significance. Owners of restored buildings will receive a commendation from His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, who has given his full support to the project.

HeritageWatch is also working with Khmer Architecture Tours to create running tours of these buildings, to further promote their preservation. Cyclos—a form of local transport popular with tourists—will be fitted with cassette players and head phones, allowing guests to follow a route of important architecture at their leisure. Coverage in the western press—Architectural Review Magazine (May 2004) and The New York Times (May 15, 2005)—demonstrates the tourist potential of these sites.

HeritageWatch, in consultation with architectural and historical experts, has formulated a list of fifty structures to be targeted—according to factors such as architectural importance, historical importance, and visibility. These buildings are all under constant threat of destruction, largely because the public does not understand their importance. This project will help to change that.
 
"...the most effective measure now would be to sign more bilateral agreements with countries that are under assault from the antiquities trade..." - Roger Atwood.
hft

hft

hft

LP and Frommers

Who's Online

We have 177 guests online

Latest comments

Support Heritage Watch

Subscribe by Email!

Receive the latest updates about the fight to help protect Cambodia's heritage!
Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Help Preserve the Past!

Sign our online petition to the Singaporean and Thai Governments

Supporters of Heritage Watch

Journey into the heart of history... FRIENDS OF KHMER CULTURE, Inc.

Contact Us






Links & Resources

ancient  angkor  antiquities  archaeological  artifacts  association  board  cambodia  cambodian  cultural  culture  director  heritage  international  khmer  local  looting  museum  national  penh  people  phnom  project  said  shall  site  sites  temple  temples  thai  thailand  time  tourism  trade  university  wait  watch  work  world  years