A new book describing past and current ‘borey,’ or groups of houses built by a single designer, by internationally famous architect Vann Molyvann will be released soon, to “contribute to the sharing of knowledge of Cambodian society.”

Professor Vann told Post Property that he is currently preparing to publish the book, which had just been translated from French into English and then from English into Khmer.

Previously, he used to publish his books through the Reyum Institute, but because those books are exported, this time he is looking for another publishing house for the nearly 400-page book.

He said “I wrote this book in order for Khmer students to understand the Khmer architectural history in the Angkor era and in subsequent eras, as most of our valuable documents had been lost during the Khmer Rouge regime.”

“For this book, I have already submitted it to the leadership and experts at Paris University for review and assessment. Now the assessment has already been completed, and we are just waiting for publication,” he added.  

This is the third title from Professor Vann: the first was Ancient Khmer Cities, the second Modern Khmer Cities. The third is provisionally entitled The Past and Current Cities in Southeast Asia.

Meng Chamroeun, an OCIC engineer, said he has never read Vann’s books, but he believes that the new book will provide much knowledge for students and researchers in younger generations, so that they will be able to enhance their architectural knowledge and development.

Meng Chamroeun said “I really support the achievements of Professor Vann Molyvann and when his book is released for sale, I will buy it, because his achievement will explain areas in architecture, and there few books explaining this area available in Cambodia.”

Chan Sok Kheang, Rector of Norton University, said there are few books related to the sector.  “Most of the documents we have are documents in foreign languages and not in Khmer as well.” He added that the books written by Professor Vann are very valuable for the younger Khmer generations to learn from, so that they will be able to further enhance the beauty and quality of construction in the kingdom.

Chan Sok Kheang added that not only Cambodians but architects across Southeast Asia praise his work too. “We used to be a leading architectural force in the region in few decades ago, and I think we can learn a lot from him.”