1. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
Agri-Urban Philanthro-Village

3. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
The power in Architecture is found in the pallet of materials,
which is properly determined by the location of the building. If not
in the location, then today in a globalized society, even as
innovations and emergent materials are manifesting, the range is
determined within the small realm of the physical.
Emotion secretes only through the depth of the material and
space over time.
Master’s of Architecture, University of Miami, Coral Gables
Thesis 2010, Sarah Sapone

4. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
Master’s of Architecture, University of Miami, Coral Gables
Thesis 2010, Sarah Sapone
Project Description
The Pearl is a Hotel and School on the Mekong River in Koh Prak, Kandall Province,
14 km south of Phnom Penh.
The project invites an interactive Environment that fuses education and tourism
together.
The Foundations for the architectural landscape lay spiritually with the Temple City
of Preah Khan.
Casual craft vernacular Bungalows, unique to this region, are designed to have
minimal environmental impact and refined to become a building language appropriate
to Cambodia today, using rattan and brick materials.
The Pearl will be a model for future development, tourism, housing and education in
Cambodia.

5. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
Master’s of Architecture, University of Miami, Coral Gables
Thesis 2010, Sarah Sapone

6. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia

7. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
Theories Explored for Thesis:
Comparative Analysis of Eastern and Western Design Philosophies and
how they evolve over time
To set up a design ontology for a theoretical basis on which to build an
Architectural Thesis
“How you get your various vocations organizes your style.” Style comes
from culture.
Master’s of Architecture, University of Miami, Coral Gables
Thesis 2010, Sarah Sapone

8. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
Local Vernacular , Kien Svay Commune, Adjacent to Project
Site; Bungalow Villa Precedent

9. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
Master’s of Architecture, University of Miami, Coral Gables
Thesis 2010, Sarah Sapone

10. A person goes on vacation to escape the daily grind. The 9-5 and longer
grudge work in the hopes of obtaining some fulfillment through his/her
travels.
Most people book hotel rooms, typical of their own homes providing the
same comforts they already know, and return from their vacation once
again unfulfilled of the something else...
The Pearl seeks to reinvent the idea of luxury resort travel to provide on a
human level, the basic fulfillment needs while on vacation or business.
People helping People: clearly visibly; during vacation.
In action, the project spurs economic growth in 3rd World Countries.
The Hotel also provides education to local children on the premise.
Children in province around Phnom Phen, Cambodia have limited access if
any to internet, resources and educational tools necessary to succeed in
an ever increasing globally connected environment.
The developed world can learn, too.
A guest walks through the herb or vegetable garden sometime after check-
in and touches a basil leaf. At dinner, the local chef, merging skills with
world renowned chefs, has prepared the meal incorporating this leaf.
The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia

11. A child learning to research finds an organic food store local to the
guest's home, based on his/her geographic location in the world. The child
also writes or types a recipe for the dish to be provided with the guest's
receipt, so the guest can remake the meal when the guest returns home.
People learn from each other.
Cambodians have a rich heritage, both architectural and spiritual.
For some reason development in one arena causes a void another.
Theravada Buddhism is the largest practicing religion in Cambodia.
Traditionally, Buddhist monks teach Cambodian children in rural areas
English, education and trades under Pagodas throughout South East Asia.
At the hotel, a holistic oasis with retreat for spa, relaxing, swimming and
yoga is incorporated, also.
It is my hope to incorporate these elements into a fantastic hotel that
brings multiple cultures together in a harmonious and beautiful way.
The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia

12. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia

13. The Pearl Hotel and School
Cambodia
Master’s of Architecture, University of Miami, Coral Gables
Thesis 2010, Sarah Sapone

14. Bungalows
Exterior Interior
Dry Season Wet Season