The Weaving NGO & Cultural Center
For the Indigenous People, For the Communities
Year 3 | Academic Project
Type: Cultural Center
Location: Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh Cambodia
Professor: Prof. Lay Ping Toh, Prof. Cheo Kae Jer
Individual Work
Design Narrative
Although 17.8% of the Cambodian population lives below the national poverty line, many people are unaware of the plight of indigenous peoples and minority groups, who often live in poverty and lack access to basic necessities such as clean water and education. As a result, their culture, traditions, and way of life are at risk of disappearing.
This project was designed to accommodate an NGO office and cultural center for the Cambodian Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO). CIPO was founded with the goal of helping indigenous peoples take charge of their culture, traditions, and customary rights.
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The design concept for the project focuses on creating a sense of inclusion and integration for indigenous peoples and communities within Cambodian society as a whole.
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Indigenous peoples and nature live close to each other, and many of their activities take place outdoors. The design of the building reflects this, with a focus on integrating nature, light, and the outdoor experience into the indoor space.
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The building has a double-skin façade that is inspired by the weaving textile patterns of different tribal groups. The façade is made up of two layers of screens, with the inner layer made of translucent material that allows light to filter through. The outer layer is made of a more solid material that provides shade and privacy.
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The weaving patterns on the façade are derived from the traditional textiles of the different tribal groups. By combining the patterns from different tribes, the façade creates a sense of unity and integration. This is especially evident when the sun casts shadows on the façade throughout the day.
Pattern for abstracted weaving used in facade panels
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Traditional textiles for different various Indigenous groups
FRONT ELEVATION
RIGHTELEVATION
When people first walk into the space, they will experience the fun and liveliness of the atmosphere of the community park, but as they get to explore more of the space they will get the feeling of being segregated, peaceful, quiet and less chaotic. in contrast to the busy and lively integrated space outdoor.
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The ordering system of this building is inspired by the way the indigenous people live, where their houses is organized in circular and at the center is where the gathering space is at.
All functions surround the center courtyard which share a visual connectivity of all space which help enhance the idea of integration as a whole.
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All and each sides of the floors has their own courtyard which serve as a physical connector walkway to connect spaces that related to one another.
The space is being arranged in such manner to come across and interact with one another. By having the courtyard on each side will allow the building to cooperate nature and landscape to give a sense of continuity between outdoor and indoor and as well as allow natural cross ventilation throughout the building.
GROUND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
Project Gallery
