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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism The evolution of Khmer shophouses

6. Conclusion new socio-economic dynamics, including increased car
ownership, the rise of the middle class, and the influence
The architectural evolution of the shophouse in of foreign investment, all within the broader framework of
Cambodia vividly reflects the nation’s socio-cultural, Cambodia’s shift to a neoliberal economy. The capacity of
economic, and political transformations over the past the shophouse to evolve in response to these new forces
2 centuries. As this study demonstrates, the shophouse underscores its versatility as an architectural model
typology, which originated within Chinese merchant capable of navigating both local and global socio-economic
th
communities in the 19 century, has developed into a changes.
highly adaptable urban form. This adaptability highlights
the shophouse’s central role in shaping Cambodia’s urban The findings of this research demonstrate that the
landscape, particularly in its capital, Phnom Penh, as the shophouse remains a resilient architectural model, playing
city has transitioned through various phases of colonial a central role in shaping the identity of Cambodia’s
influence, modernization, and contemporary urban increasingly suburbanized landscape. However, its latest
expansion. evolution faces challenges in integrating the necessary
compactness of the urban fabric. Identifying solutions that
The findings of this research reveal the shophouse’s
remarkable ability to absorb external influences while reorient new developments toward a more transit-oriented
approach while ensuring harmony with the surrounding
preserving its core multifunctional characteristics. environment will be essential. As the shophouse continues
Originally conceived as a dual-purpose structure for to adapt, it holds significant potential, especially as
both commerce and residence, the traditional shophouse the country contends with the dual pressures of real
evolved beyond its initial trading function to become a estate commodification and the growing demand for
defining element of Phnom Penh’s urban fabric. During self-sufficient suburban communities that integrate
the colonial period, French architectural elements were residential, commercial, and recreational functions.
integrated into the design of the shophouse, resulting in These contemporary developments highlight not only the
a unique hybrid form that merged Sino-Khmer traditions shophouse’s ability to accommodate the physical demands
with European influences. This hybridization not only of urban life but also its responsiveness to shifting economic
reflects the city’s colonial history but also illustrates how and social contexts in the era of globalization.
pre-existing local architectural forms coexisted with – and
were reshaped by – the colonial presence, contributing to In conclusion, the ongoing evolution of the shophouse
the distinctiveness of Phnom Penh’s built environment. exemplifies how an urban typology rooted in historical

The study further emphasizes that, while many tradition can maintain its relevance in contemporary
Southeast Asian cities share a tradition of shophouses, urban development. The future of Cambodia’s urban
Phnom Penh’s Sino-Khmer-French hybrid shophouse landscape will likely continue to be shaped by this flexible
developed a unique architectural identity. French colonial architectural form. By integrating new technologies,
influence, especially through town planning initiatives, evolving lifestyles, and changing spatial requirements,
laid the groundwork for the continued evolution of the the shophouse remains a cornerstone of Cambodia’s
shophouse. Despite the rise of modernist urban planning architectural and cultural identity.
in the post-colonial era, which emphasized functional Acknowledgments
zoning and introduced new construction technologies,
the shophouse retained its relevance, particularly within The documentation for this article was collected by the
key urban expansions. While modernist principles were author between 2017 and 2024 during his tenure as an
instrumental in supporting the vertical development of associate professor of architecture and urban design and
the shophouse, they also contributed to a multifunctional as lead researcher of the Urban Lab at the American
typology that transcended the original intentions of University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The author extends
modernist theory. This resulted in a compact and efficient his gratitude to all his colleagues in the Department of
form capable of accommodating Phnom Penh’s growing Architecture for their invaluable support and mentorship
population and increasing urban density. Even today, throughout this period.
the shophouse typology remains unparalleled in its
effectiveness at fostering an inclusive community. Funding

This study also sheds light on the shophouse’s role in the None.
contemporary urban expansion of Phnom Penh, especially Conflict of interest
in the development of peri-urban areas and satellite cities.
In these contexts, the shophouse continues to adapt to The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.5410