Building Rural Solutions from Rural Conditions: Revitalizing Cambodian Fishing Communities through Environmental Education

Abstract

This thesis aims to create an architecture that adapts and integrates modern sustainable building solutions with Cambodian vernacular architecture to improve the quality of dwelling in rural fishing communities in Cambodia. The design draws upon local culture, materials and building methods to develop community facilities that will aid the rural population in preserving natural resources. The ultimate goal is to advance sustainable development, socially, economically and architecturally. The site is located in the small stilt fishing commune of Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. The program is an N.G.O.- supported Education Exchange Center that focuses on mobilizing environmental education to adjacent lake communities in order to sustainably manage rapidly depleting fish stocks in the lake.