White Building (Phnom Penh)

The White Building, officially known as the Municipal Apartments, was a large apartment complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Constructed in 1963 as part of a larger urban development plan spearheaded by Cambodian architect Lu Ban Hap, it was originally intended as low-cost housing and a symbol of modern Khmer architecture following Cambodia's independence. The design incorporated elements of modernism and New Khmer Architecture, aiming to provide functional and aesthetic living spaces.

Over time, particularly after the Khmer Rouge regime, the White Building became heavily populated by squatters and low-income families. It gradually deteriorated due to neglect, overcrowding, and lack of maintenance. Despite the challenging living conditions, it fostered a vibrant, albeit often marginalized, community, attracting artists, musicians, and other creatives. The building became known for its dense social fabric and its residents' resilience in the face of poverty and hardship.

The White Building was demolished in 2017 as part of a redevelopment project. Residents were relocated to settlements on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Its demolition marked the end of an era and sparked debate about urban development, affordable housing, and the preservation of Phnom Penh's architectural heritage. While gone, the White Building remains a significant historical and cultural landmark, representing both the promise of Cambodia's modern past and the challenges of its rapidly changing present.