Embracing Nature, Enriching Life

Embracing Nature, Enriching Life is about a nature-centric campus in the tropics. It is a tertiary education institution located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It reimagines the education environment in an otherwise compact institutional setting. The campus comprises 3 levels of podium and 3 levels of academic spaces connected by a circulation spine on a 1.5-hectare land.
Environmental Response
The proposed institution is envisioned to be a campus embraced in nature in the tropics. It aims to connect users with the surrounding environment, providing conducive areas for social interactions. This is accomplished through careful selection of locally sourced construction materials and a passive design approach in responding to the climate. The overall form of the podium floors is fluid, and they blend seamlessly with the tiered landscape. The buildings are oriented along the north-south facing to minimise solar heat gain. The overall form encourages permeability, with façade designs that promote natural ventilation while filtering daylight into the interior spaces. These passive strategies contribute to lower long-term energy consumption and they reduce carbon emissions.
People Centric Approach
The campus is designed as an open and accessible learning environment that supports both formal and informal interaction. The fluid design order breaks down hierarchy, heightening the chance for the teaching staff and students to meet. The openness of the spaces gives a vibe that is casual and calming, thus encouraging people to hang around to bond.
Sustainable Resources
The construction of the campus utilised locally sourced materials and products readily available in Cambodia, which include bamboo, brick, and laterite stone. These elements are incorporated into planters, pavilions, and boundary walls. The approach takes into consideration reducing material consumption and construction waste. In the long term, this direction aims to achieve durability and maintainability.
Cultural Response
The architect worked closely with local contractors and craftsmen to develop motifs and patterns that are culturally meaningful to the community. This fosters familiarity and a sense of dignity. This collaborative process strengthened local participation and ensured that the architecture remained rooted in local traditions. One of the features includes ceilings and walls that incorporate traditional Khmer fabrics, reinforcing a strong sense of identity and belonging. The overall design pays homage to the rich Cambodian culture by subtly integrating traditional Khmer patterns and colors in the key spaces of the campus. Traditional Khmer motifs are strategically implemented within the spaces, including ceilings, walls and floorings. As a whole, the design aims for a learning space that is buzzed with activities, connectivity, and meaningful spaces.