Toul Sleng(S-21) Community
Re-Envisioning Project

Category
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Urban Planning
Architecture
Graphic Design

Software
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Sketchup
Chaos Enscape

Synopsis
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This Project is designed for Second Cambodia Urban and Housing Forum under theme “Smart, Green, Resilient and Inclusive Cities” in 2024. Competing on topic “Toul Sleng Community Re-envisioning” and Winning 1st place over 30 teams.

SITE IMPRESSION

As the Toul Sleng Genocide museum is already registered to the UNESCO Memory of the World and is currently being considered for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage, We chose this historical site for our case study to help re-envision the surrounding area into a more interesting location for local city dweller and become a more interesting tourist attraction destination.

Site Connection

Existing Road

Traffic Analysis

SITE ISSUES

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The residences within the neighborhood are situated in close proximity to each other, with vibrant and diverse architectural exterior designs. The positioning of their front yards lacks uniformity and alignment.

Lacks of Greenery such as trees, open air park in this neighborhood.

There is requirement to rethink how vehicles parking would work best for the travelling tourist and the local residents surrounding S21.

The front of the house is being use to it full extent but often spill over onto the walking path. Varieties of signage in this area also create a senses of overwhelming and intrude on the area more somber history.

CONCEPT OF SUPER BLOCK

A super block consists of several small blocks within a neighborhood that prioritize the quality of life, address traffic problems by promoting walking, and view roads as spaces for both vehicles and community use. This idea aims to enhance communication and social interaction among residents.

TRAFFIC POLICY

  • Reduce the transportation by vehicles in the area
  • Limit vehicles’ speed to just 10km/h
  • Forbid large trucks and buses in the area

Block

SUPER BLOCK

Mega Block

WHY SUPER BLOCK?

  • Reduce the noise pollution in the area
  • Reduce pollutions from the vehicles
  • Strengthen the living quality and safety for the pedestrian and cyclist especially.

Current Road Design

Different material for road 

Final Phase
(Introducing more tree and vegetation for the super block)

CONCEPT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

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THE SURROUNDING STREET

In order to redesign road 113, a key for the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, it is essential to gather a variety of ideas aimed at enhancing the road’s appeal while also contributing to the preservation of the community’s identity. One approach involves the installation of red paving slabs to help reduce vehicle speed. Additionally, new public amenities and street decorations will be introduced in compliance with signage policies, waste management, and land use policies within the neighborhood. Furthermore, roads 320 and 350 beside the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum will be converted into one-way streets, featuring designated parking areas for both three-wheeled motorized taxis and residents’ vehicles.

MEMORIAL STREET FEATURES

We choose the “red merlot” as the primary color in honor to give respect to the victims of the tragic events of Cambodia genocide(1975-1979) that occurred under the Khmer Rouge Regime but also encourage the current peaceful situation of the country. In our design, this particular shade of red represents a sense of comfort, security, and steadiness, adding a fresh and distinctive focal point that we aim to highlight for our visitors. Additionally, it serves as a visual cue for individuals exploring the area.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The annual tradition of the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum is to host four ceremonies as a remembrance to the 7th January Victorious Day, the Khmer New Year Days in April, the Day of Remembrance on 20th May, and Pchum Ben Days.. These events are typically hosted within the museum’s premises, so our design aims to accommodate these activities externally to allow nearby residents and tourists to also participate in the ceremony.

A NEW BUS STATION AND A NEW DROP OFF POINT

We proposed to convert the roads stretching from road 360 to road 310 into one-way streets. We also made plans to establish designated drop-off and pick-up points for vehicles authorized to use these roads. This will help prevent vehicles from parking on the street, which is a major contributing factor to traffic congestion in the area.

A NEW BUS STATION AND A NEW DROP OFF POINT

We proposed to convert the roads stretching from road 360 to road 310 into one-way streets. We also made plans to establish designated drop-off and pick-up points for vehicles authorized to use these roads. This will help prevent vehicles from parking on the street, which is a major contributing factor to traffic congestion in the area.

NEW TOUL SLENG ADMINSTRATION CENTRE

The office located at the center of the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum was previously a torture chamber and interrogation room run by Khmer Rouge during the tragic regime. However, due to limited workspace, it was transformed into an office. As a result, our design suggested a new approach to renovate an existing structure on road 113, located just in front of the main entrance, into a new administrative office that would offer improved services to both local and international visitors.

THE NEW ALLEY WAY

The alley in Toul Sleng area is to improve social interaction between both local residents and tourists. Additionally, by introducing new activities such as improving daily life for residents, supporting local businesses, and providing a playground for children, the alley can become vibrant tourist destination.

COMMUNAL GARDEN

Communal Garden have become a crucial aspect of Phnom Penh city. These spaces can serve various purposes such as hosting community events, providing areas for relaxation, serving as playgrounds for children, offering public toilet facilities, and help to bolster more positive engagement for the nearby community.

SIGNAGE POICY

  • Toul Sleng area is a significant historical site in Phnom Penh City. Therefore, any construction or business activities in the area must adhere to regulations and undergo inspections by the relevant relevant authorities to prevent any issues that could diminish the value of the historical sites or negative impact on the community.


    commercial establishments:

  • Businesses need to adhere to policies that prohibit excessive noise and strong odors.
  • Signs must comply with regulations regarding height, size, and color to enhance the appeal of the community.
  • Ensuring that the business is structured and environmentally conscious.


    Building Regulation

  • The guidelines for constructing any building, particularly regarding colors and architectural design, must be adhered to in order to maintain or enhance the attraction of Toul Sleng Community.

VIDEO OF CLARIFICATION (COMING SOON)

CONCLUSION

Our observations into some of the issues and proposed solution is hoping to fostering new ideas that can help improve the Toul Sleng historical area. To preserve its historical value and conservation of its identity attached to the city. Looking at this proposal, in order to be practical and successful it require the collective from many relevant authorities and especially the surrounding population to work together. We believe that this proposal would help change Toul Sleng Historical Site into a better neighborhood for the its nearby residents but also become a more unique tourist destination.