Sep 19, 2008

Teacher Training College. Part 2: The Library

Library, Teacher Training College, 1972. Vann Molyvann.


This is the embodiment of the idea that the structure become integral to the look of the building, as here the columns are ribs that ring the exterior, with the glazing layer set inside from them. The ground floor is mostly offices set into the core of the circular building, with a curving stair that runs along the inside face up to the second level which houses the library. The ceiling is as sculpted as the exterior structure, allowing you to understand the radial roof form which is imperceptible from the outside. Van Molyvann intended that you could enter the library directly from the second level catwalks that ring the campus, but the entrance which is pictured above is now kept locked. It’s a good thing, as the entry sequence, from the darker and more confined lobby and stair up to the light-filled and airy reading room is effective.



Vann Molyvann himself has said that he based the design of the Library on a traditional Khmer straw hat. This sounds suspiciously like post-rationalization to me and his architecture doesn’t need to be rationalized; it stands as a work of art on its own. This work, in particular, is singular. There aren’t any “typical” New Khmer Architecture details, any real references to the stuff that was being built in the city in the 1950s and 60s, or as far as my untrained eye can see any overt references to the ancient temples. For one of his final buildings in Phnom Penh, Vann Molyvann took his ideas to another level and offered clues to the direction he might have taken had he been able to continue his career in this country.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

POST-TENSION SYSTEM (Pre-stressed)

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3. Reduce self weight
4. Reduce steel
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6. Reduce completion cost
7. Minimize storey height
8. Used plan flexibly
9. Change the used performance easily.
10. Good looking slab and building
We are now operating some projects in Phnom Penh and other City.
Once again, thank you very much and we look for more opportunities to be supportive with your project.

Very much appreciated your taking time with our words and look forward to your soon reply.

With best regards,

Chek Sopheap
Directing Manager
HP: 012 707 900
HP: 010 987 889
Tel: 023 983 279
E-mail: cheksopheap@gmail.com
E-mail: etd.e@namcong.com
Website: www.namcong.com; www.namcong.asia

Phnom Penh Office:
Add.: No.3, Street 10m, Group 17, Toul Korka I, District Chakangreakrom Commute Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Ho Chi Minh Office:
Add.: R.3-S5, 2nd Fl, No. 31-33 Phan Huy Ich Str., Ward 15, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Da Nang Office:
Add.: 3th Fl, No. 4 - 6 Tran Nhan Tong Str., Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra Dist, Da Nang City, Vietnam.
Hanoi Office:
Add.: No.46, Me tri Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Unknown said...

POST-TENSION SYSTEM (Pre-stressed)

NAMCONG is a member of PTI (Post-tensioning Institute in the US), and also the very first company to specialize in Post-Tension Design. We are design overall structure from basement to top.

Namcong Post-Tension can solve for Architecture, Main Contractor, Civil Engineer and all construction project such as: apartment, office, hotel, restaurant, factory, silo, road segment, and bridge etc. it can applied to Flat Slab, Drop-Panel Slab and Band Beam Slab with span over than 7m to 20m or over we use Post-tension beam. It can save structural (PT) cost from 10% - 20% if we compared to reinforced concrete structures (RC).

Post-tension structure is applied to projects to bring cost-effectiveness:
1. Lengthen span
2. Reduce depth of cross-section
3. Reduce self weight
4. Reduce steel
5. Construction quickly
6. Reduce completion cost
7. Minimize storey height
8. Used plan flexibly
9. Change the used performance easily.
10. Good looking slab and building
We are now operating some projects in Phnom Penh and other City.
Once again, thank you very much and we look for more opportunities to be supportive with your project.

Very much appreciated your taking time with our words and look forward to your soon reply.

With best regards,

Chek Sopheap
Directing Manager
HP: 012 707 900
HP: 010 987 889
Tel: 023 983 279
E-mail: cheksopheap@gmail.com
E-mail: etd.e@namcong.com
Website: www.namcong.com; www.namcong.asia

Phnom Penh Office:
Add.: No.3, Street 10m, Group 17, Toul Korka I, District Chakangreakrom Commute Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Ho Chi Minh Office:
Add.: R.3-S5, 2nd Fl, No. 31-33 Phan Huy Ich Str., Ward 15, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Da Nang Office:
Add.: 3th Fl, No. 4 - 6 Tran Nhan Tong Str., Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra Dist, Da Nang City, Vietnam.
Hanoi Office:
Add.: No.46, Me tri Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi City, Vietnam