Khmer Concrete investigates what remains of Cambodia’s post-independence architectural heritage and how it still retains its poetic power in contemporary Cambodia. The development of an independent intellectual and cultural elite was seen as crucial to maintaining Cambodia’s international status and independence in the years after 1953. In addition to architecture, a vibrant art and culture scene developed which sought to express itself on the international stage. All this came to an end, however, when the Khmer Rouge seized power and laid waste to the countryside and cities of Cambodia between 1975 and 1980. Khmer Concrete explores the forgotten legacy of these buildings and their place in modern Cambodia.

Ekkehart Keintzel is an architect and photographer based in Berlin. Born in Cologne in 1960, he studied architecture at TU Vienna. He has lived and worked in Berlin since 1993. His photographic work deals with the depiction of urban space, urban landscape and history as well as transitory urban processes.