In the last ten years, Phnom Penh has seen an explosion of development, driven by international investment and shaped by a new generation of Cambodian architects. Co-founder and Managing Director of Phnom Penh’s Urbanland, 37-year-old Hok Kang is one of the figures working to transform the capital into a sustainable, inclusive, and modern city.
Beginning in 2009 with the launch of HKA & Partners, Hok sees his passion for design as more than just a desire to plan buildings. “I wanted to show people that architecture matters and can make an impact on people’s quality of life. As an architect, I believe in creating inspirational spaces for Cambodians,” he explained.
Understanding the Cambodian context is crucial because whatever works overseas may not work here - Hok Kang
Hok’s inspired take on city planning led to the 2013 launch of Urbanland, which has since completed a number of projects in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap such as Embassy Central and the Treeline Urban Resort. However, more than any single project, Hok sees his greatest achievement as the sense of awe experienced by people when they enter one of his buildings.
“What gives me the most pleasure and happiness is if people come into our buildings and they just love it, and they don’t know what it is that they love. They can just feel that it is great,” he explained.
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Source: Focus Cambodia