Phnom Penh, the capital city of the Kingdom of Cambodia, is the center of economic and industrial activities as well as culture, education and politics. This city has experienced the golden and dark era. Since this city shifted from pacification market to a free market in 1993, this city experienced the massive rise in migrants from the rural areas the city to get better jobs and increase their earnings. Thus, housing becomes their major problem.
There have been various kinds of housing being constructed in a short period of time to support their daily living. However, some buildings were illegally constructed on public and private land, disaster-prone areas and so on. Recently Phnom Penh also experiences the massive housing projects while some projects are believed not to comply with a construction and comfort standard.
NOREA ECO-VILLAGE Project is a new proposal for a sustainable residential and urban design in Phnom Penh. The Purpose of this proposal is to create a remarkable living area focusing on the environment and energy conservation. This is the modern medium rise living block stands to view the Mekong River which offer residents the magic view of the river and mixed-use activities. The building will be designed to minimize the impact on the environment by consuming less energy (electricity and water).
A water front will be designed as a recreation and a public park to warmly welcome people and it will be also used for festivities. Along the river front, the small unit of wind-turbine will be installed to generate electricity for public lighting. The edge of Beoung Snor wetland (central lake) will be used as a public space providing many kinds of activities to the public. This lake will also play a role as habitats for many kinds’ tropical plants animals, birds and fish.
The design is critically analyzed to conserve the existing local and surrounding environment. This project will give the new sign of thinking of the sustainable housing and urban design with mixed-use activities.