The Tall Building Forum in Phnom Penh united industry leaders to explore sustainable high-rise development, strategic planning, cultural integration, and education for future architects and planners.

20 June, 2024 | By The Room Architecture and Design

Phnom Penh recently hosted the Tall Building Forum, an event that left a significant mark on the architecture and urban planning community. This forum was particularly noteworthy for its comprehensive discussions on the impact of tall buildings, while also addressing the notion that skyscrapers aren't the sole solution for urban development. The insights gathered from this forum are invaluable as we navigate the future of Cambodia's commercial real estate landscape.
 

Keynote Speakers and Panelists

The event featured prominent keynote speakers and panelists who shared their expert perspectives. Thierry Tea, VP of OCIC and CEO of Negocia Group, spoke about the development of the Koh Pich area. He highlighted how this young district has become a vibrant hub for local and international business communities. Tea emphasized the importance of creating green spaces to foster new trendy destinations and lifestyles. He outlined a promising future for Koh Pich, with plans to increase food and beverage outlets, host more events, create iconic locations, adopt advanced technology, and invest in academic opportunities for future generations. These initiatives reflect OCIC's commitment to contributing to Phnom Penh's development. Knight Frank's country head, Ross Wheble, also joined the panel to discuss the opportunities and challenges of Phnom Penh's high-rise developments. His insights complemented the overall theme of sustainable urban growth. Additionally, His Excellency, Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal, underscored the critical need for strategic planning to manage Phnom Penh's ongoing expansion.
 

Benefits and Challenges of High-Rise Developments

One of the forum's highlights was its dual focus on the benefits and challenges of high-rise developments. Martin Aerne eloquently discussed the social context of Cambodian living and how it's challenging to integrate this into high-rise developments. This point raised important questions about whether Phnom Penh's current infrastructure is ready for such tall buildings. The need for infrastructure upgrades to support high-rise buildings is evident, as these developments can enhance travel efficiency and reduce emissions, thereby improving the surrounding environment.
 

Regulation and Controlled Development

In addition to infrastructure considerations, the forum also emphasized the role of regulation and controlled development. Such forums are crucial as they guide us in developing new projects in a more regulated and thoughtful manner, ensuring sustainable growth for the city. The presence of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) added a significant dimension to the discussions. As a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainable urban density through vertical growth, CTBUH connects over a million building industry professionals worldwide, offering extensive resources, research, and networking opportunities. Their participation highlighted the global perspective on urban development and sustainability.
 

Educating the Next Generation

The Tall Building Forum also focused on educating the next generation of architects and planners. By raising awareness among students about the latest developments in the city and globally, and by organizing competitions and awards, the forum provided a positive outlook for the future. This emphasis on education and engagement ensures that the upcoming professionals are well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern urban development.
 

Merdeka 118

An intriguing discussion led by CJ on the Merdeka 118 project, which took ten years to complete, underscored the importance of respecting historical sites while implementing modern safety and sustainability measures. Building Merdeka 118 was particularly challenging and time-consuming due to its status as one of the tallest buildings in the world. The project's innovative use of a water tank at the building's base as a passive cooling system sparked ideas on how similar methods could be adapted for Phnom Penh, leveraging the city's rivers for sustainable cooling solutions.
 

Upcoming Events

Finally, there was a mention of the upcoming Asia Conference organized by CTBUH, which promises to dig deeper into critical topics such as planning policy, sustainable transport infrastructure, resilience in the face of climate change, and the integration of poly-centers to decentralize crowded city centers. This event will undoubtedly continue the momentum generated by the Tall Building Forum, further advancing the dialogue on sustainable urban development.
 

The Tall Building Forum in Phnom Penh was a resounding success, providing a platform for rich discussions and innovative ideas. It reinforced the importance of thoughtful, regulated development and the need for continuous education and engagement in shaping the future of our cities. As we reflect on the insights shared, we at The Room Architecture and Design are excited to integrate these learnings into our projects, contributing to a sustainable and dynamic urban landscape in Cambodia.