Smiling Gecko Future Project
THE HOUSE OF CULTURE AND MUSIC
Hollywood director and Smiling Gecko godfather Marc Forster is convinced: “Music, literature and film are emotional forms of expression that contribute to a nation’s healing process.” With the House of Culture and Music we want to contribute to this in the future. Here’s how we intend to do this.
Cambodia could be so rich in art and culture. But even more than forty years after the end of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror, the country has, with a few exceptions, remained almost completely silent in these areas. At that time, everything that did not fit into the dogma was erased too thoroughly. A real dilemma.
Because people need culture. Creative skills are a determining factor for the speed and flexibility in connecting different areas of knowledge in the brain. We have therefore decided to create a place where our school children can develop their creativity with the «House of Culture and Music». Where they will finally find access to the culture of their country and which, with its numerous opportunities, is also open to local artists.
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The design of the “House of Culture and Music” is inspired by an instrument with a long tradition in Cambodia: the gong.
Circular (sound) blocks made of bamboo and bricks are placed in a large bamboo forest. Their round shape is reminiscent of the sound waves of traditional and modern sounds, which radiate and resonate in a circle from inside the building. While architecture is something static, music knows no boundaries. With this «physically built gong beat», borders are to be overcome and the cultural treasures of Cambodia are to be revived and reinterpreted. With this building, Cambodian music and art should be given the opportunity to develop their own cultural identity, which radiates beyond the country’s borders.
Der Grundriss der einzelnen Gebäude ist modular aufgebaut und ermöglicht so die notwendige Flexibilität für die Anforderungen der unterschiedlichen Raumnutzungen.
The floor plan of the individual buildings is modular and thus enables the necessary flexibility for the requirements of the different room uses. Classrooms and practice rooms for traditional and modern music as well as for dance and theater are planned. In addition, the infrastructure also includes a professional studio for sound recording and video production as well as an amphitheater with space for around 100 visitors.
The Architects
The renowned architecture and design office atelier oï was founded in 1991 in La Neuveville, Switzerland, by Aurel Aebi, Armand Louis and Patrick Reymond. The name oï, derived from the Russian word “troïka” (threesome), stands for the creative energy released by the trio. The diversity of people and professions as well as their sharing of know-how and ideas is part of the working philosophy of atelier oï and always leads to innovative and meaningful projects that are recognized worldwide. As a partner, atelier oï will be responsible for the architecture of the «House of Culture and Music».
The project sponsors
MARC FORSTER
The German-Swiss film director, producer and screenwriter is the main sponsor of the House of Culture and Music. Marc has made a name for himself in Hollywood with blockbuster films such as the Oscar-winning “Finding Neverland”, “Monster’s Ball”, “Quantum of Solace”, “Christopher Robin” or the TV series “Hand of God”. Whether Ewan McGregor, Hellen Mirren, Emma Thompson, Gerald Butler, or Dustin Hoffmann: they have all worked under his direction. He’s currently filming with Tom Hanks. With us he will support the areas of film and video direction, production, and editing. We couldn’t be prouder.
SEVEN
The musician and singer, who has received a «Swiss Music Award», has just celebrated his much-acclaimed 20th stage anniversary. With over 1,000 headliner shows, more than a dozen published albums and collaborations with greats such as Thomas D., Wolfgang Niedecken and Kool Savas, he is one of the most creative artists of our time. He has been involved with Smiling Gecko for many years and was instrumental in the “Swiss Artists for Smiling Gecko” in 2015. With Seven we can count on a passionate support around the topic of music.
PHILIPP SCHWEIDLER
Philipp heads the “Department of Noise” (DoN for short), the leading Swiss agency for audio branding. Together with his team, he advises well-known brands such as Bank Cler or ifolor on the development, creation and maintenance of their sound identity. In addition, DoN is also extremely successful in music production, as evidenced by numerous chart positions and gold awards. With us, DoN will bring the technical expertise and advice for the construction and equipment of the recording studio and later the teaching of audio, sound and recording techniques.
THE PROJECT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
We depend on donations for the construction and subsequent operation of the House of Culture and Music. Help give Cambodia a voice back and encourage the creativity of our school children.
