This is a project I did for my thesis. I believe in doing things that come not just from a critical point of view but also from a deep place within urself. My family along with millions others have suffered because of the regime. So now, 40 years later what have we learned and how do we even begin to talk about it? How do we find closure? How do we achieve catharsis and ,maybe more importantly, reconciliation? 

Based on the record compiled by DC-Cam in 2006, 81 memorials have been erected in memory of the deaths and the sufferings of the regime’s victims. I felt that I needed to go in a little different direction, I wanted to do something that that will bring to mind more than just the sufferings but also the resiliency of Khmer people and the strength to pursue and achieve reconciliation.

Veal Veng, Pursat for all its beauties has its ugly truths as well. A district that used to be a Khmer Rouge stronghold is now fast becoming a bustling town with perpetrators and surviving victims alike living as neighbors. Anlong Veng which is also a former KR stronghold, has a much more open dialogue and understanding between people, hugely thanks to DC-Cam efforts in the area. Following this model, Veal Veng will need to put efforts in overcoming the fear and the stigma surrounding the subject in order to truly move on and learn from its past.

The center will be a catalyst in pushing dialogues forward and documenting history and teaching genocide educations.

Advising professors :
Dr. Tang Sochet Vitou (architectural design)
Prof. Soth Vantha (structural design)

Advisers :
Prof. Lim Iden
Prof. Ek Sochetha

Thesis team :
Khun Daya | community building (not shown here)
Ou Oudompanhavuth | research center

Additional help : 
Horm Kimhourt (render)
Chorn Panha & To Vannda (physical model)

Design details below.