Wat Phnom is one of Phnom Penh‘s most important cultural and public landmarks, attracting both locals and tourists. However, the surrounding roundabout creates difficulties for pedestrians trying to access the park. Narrow sidewalks, tree obstructions, informal parking, and the lack of safe pedestrian crossings make the area uncomfortable and unsafe for visitors.
This proposal focuses on improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and overall public space quality around the roundabout. The design introduces a raised pedestrian crossing, wider sidewalks, accessible tree grates, and small urban amenities such as benches and waste bins. By reorganizing the pedestrian space and improving accessibility, the proposal aims to reconnect people to Wat Phnom Park and create a safer, more welcoming environment for all users.
Delicate sound effects were added to the clip to strengthen the vision of an inclusive and sustainable urban transformation.
Build4People ultimately aims to show the B4P Visual Utopias clips at the permanent exhibition of the recently opened Phnom Penh Smart City Hub located at the site of Wat Phnom.
Background / Rationale
Inspired by the German artist Jan Kamensky’s Visual Utopias, exhibited at CityLAB Berlin, among others, Build4People has facilitated the development of visual utopias for Phnom Penh, aiming to create narratives and to use them as a state-of-the-art communication tool to foster inclusive and gender-sensitive urban transformation.
Under the guidance of the association of WAE, Women in Architecture and Engineering, founded by Ms. Sokunlanita May and Build4People, led by Michael Waibel, William Cheav, student of Architecture and Urbanism at Norton University developed a visual utopia which he labelled “Wat Phnom Temple Site: Reconnecting Pedestrians to Wat Phnom Park”.
About the clip editor
William Cheav [williamcheav.sps@gmail.com] is a student of Architecture and Urbanism at Norton University. He is particularly interested in designing public and green spaces that encourage people to gather, interact, and reconnect within the city, through design, visual arts, and architectural visualization to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
Survey support
Kimleng Keam [Kimlengkeam08@gmail.com] is a student of Architecture and Urbanism at BELTIE International University. She is particularly interested in exploring creative design approaches that shape meaningful and engaging spaces within the urban environment. She also uses design, visual arts, and architectural visualization to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
Mentors
Vathana Meng & Daro Hor
Overall Guidance
Sokunlanita May [lanitamaysokun@gmail.com], Founder of WAE, Women in Architecture and Engineering, which is a cooperation partner of Build4People during Implementation phase
Jan Kamenski’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@visualutopias
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