The White Building

Mum and I also explored a building which lots of people know as a building with brothels and crime. I read this:

“For many in Phnom Penh, the White Building is perceived as an irregular community, cloaked in stigma associated with poverty, drugs, sex work, petty crime, dangerous construction and poor sanitation. However, the White Building is one of the city's most vibrant communities, housing more than 2,500 residents, including classical dancers, master musicians, skilled craftspeople, cultural workers, civil servants, and street vendors”

As we walked through, there was a beautiful sense of community. 

It is called the White Building, and was part of a urban planning project in the 1960s (before the Khmer Rouge) when Phnom Penh’s population tripled to one million.  It was King Sihanouk’s vision. He said:

“our capital must deal with the problem urban population… We must begin the construction of low-cost apartment buildings that can be rented or sold to average and small-income families. This will no doubt take some time and requires progressive planning and investment”.

But then, the Khmer Rouge emptied the city. Later some of the former residents returned and they are part of a thriving art community. We couldn’t go in, because it’s not safe without an invitation to see the archives or art work. I want to next time. 

This is what it DID look like

 There's also Art Deco influences with geometric shapes. AND there has been some work done on another building next to it - which is definitely Art Deco inspired.