Food and Agriculture Organization Office

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in Phnom Penh is conceived as a contemporary extension to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries compound, carefully planned to sit within its context rather than stand apart from it. The architectural concept began with a single concrete volume and a double-sided gabled roof, echoing the familiar rooflines of the surrounding government buildings. This simple starting point was developed into a two-storey concrete structure wrapped by a continuous shaded walkway, creating a protective shell that mediates between the exterior compound and the interior workspaces. The planning focuses on clear organisation and legible circulation. Enclosed offices, meeting rooms and support spaces are grouped along the more solid edges of the building, while open work areas, reception and social zones are positioned along the façades and under the shaded walkway to benefit from light, views and cross-ventilation. Natural light, accessibility and day-to-day functionality drive the layout, with material choices such as wood accents, acoustic panels and polycarbonate ceilings used to control sound and glare while keeping spaces bright and calm. At the heart of the plan, a tree is placed as a deliberate focal point, aligning with FAO’s philosophy and providing a clear orienting element within the building. 

The roof level was planned from the outset as an active surface rather than a residual zone. Solar panels, drainage and planting are organised to work together with outdoor circulation routes, turning the roof into a usable landscape that mitigates heat and supports informal use. A dedicated zone was reserved in the structural and spatial layout for a future vertical connection; this has since been realised by the client as an elevator, confirming the flexibility built into the original scheme. The client has also introduced a rooftop hub, made possible by the way the roof was designed as a functional extension of the workplace rather than a purely technical space. Within the main workplace areas, open dining and collaborative zones are positioned at key junctions between circulation paths and workspaces, so that movement through the building naturally passes by shared spaces. This supports informal interaction without disrupting focused work and allows staff and visitors to move easily between workstations, meeting rooms and amenities. Overall, the office creates a welcoming, adaptable environment that strengthens daily operations and community engagement within the wider Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries context, while clearly expressing how careful planning and simple architectural moves can support the work of an international organisation.