Phnom Penh’s Central Market restored

Cambodia’s 1937 art deco Central Market was recently restored by the French Government. It is a magnificent market hall with four wings radiating from a high central dome that provides excellent ventilation. The spectacular renovation was completed by the Paris based architectural firm of Arte Charpentier. Here is a link to the story of how they restored this grande dame of Phnom Penh:

http://www.arte-charpentier.com/administration/files/120709_CP_Phnom_Penh_ENGLISH_PDF.pdf

The redesign was based on four key principles: integrating the market with its surroundings, restoring the historic building, increasing comfort and hygiene, and satisfying needs of the merchants. Overcrowding in the old market led to poor ventilation and overheating; new extensions offer more work and selling space, plus office areas, toilets and waste management systems.