Project 2020

by Shirley Lim

Project 2020 was a collaborative project by 20 Singaporean architects, co-ordinated by the Singapore Institute of Architects, with NUS and other universities and practitioners from the region. It was a social initiative by architects to provide sanitary systems to Village Bustatrav in Cambodia. On February 2020, 20 Singapore architects, in collaboration with the Cambodian Community Dream organisation, Inc. (CCDO), Angkor University, American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) and National University of Singapore (NUS), School of Design and Environment (NUS SDE), commenced Project 2020 over a period of two days. It is a social initiative by the architects to design, build and provide 20 latrines to 20 families of Village Bustatrav, Svay Chek Commune, Angkor Thom District, Cambodia. As a student volunteer, this trip had been nothing short of amazing. To begin with, we were given opportunities to share our design inputs for the latrines which would be realized on site. It was an experience that would not have been possible in a school setting. Most of the time, students worked on conceptual design projects that are hardly implemented. Witnessing our designs benefiting the local community had given me a sense of fulfilment that both reminded and reaffirmed me of my decision to remain in this course and career.

Undeniably, there were many unexpected problems that sprung up over the course of the trip. Many designs had to be changed on-site, as they were too time-consuming to be built within two days. A majority (because you started the 2 consecutive statements with most haha) of the volunteers did not have prior experience in brick construction as well. But most importantly of all, the villagers needed a latrine urgently. They have been waiting for over a year since 2018, before Project 2020 was organised. Practicality was thus eventually preferred over aesthetics. It was a lesson that reminded us all that an architect’s primary role is to design in the shoes of the client. And in this context, what the locals truly desire is a proper working toilet that can be built up quickly. Lofty latrine designs are simply a luxury they are unable to afford or consider currently. Before going on the trip, the CCDO informed us that many rural families in Cambodia, to this day, remain unable to afford access to basic sanitation facilities. Yet, one can never fully comprehend their predicament unless they were to experience it first-hand for themselves. Over the few days spent in the village, I have personally witnessed the poor sanitary practices by the villagers. Without a toilet or latrine, locals defecate in the open, behind bushes or in open bodies of water. As most of us are blessed with toilets and clean water supply at home, many volunteers found this a challenge. Some chose to adopt local sanitary practices, whilst others chose to reduce their water intake instead. Back in Singapore, most Singaporeans never had to face such a predicament. Toilets could be found ubiquitously in public spaces. Indeed, these are things that we have truly taken for granted. However, if anything, I have been most touched by the passion of the Project 2020 team throughout the entire trip. Being in the midst of the Covid-19 breakout, Project 2020 was initially at risk of being postponed. Many volunteers had backed out, which severely crippled the planning of the trip. Despite these difficulties, the remaining members remained committed. It was only with the unanimous participation and active involvement of all members that the project was well and truly delivered successfully. Perhaps, this passion is the one takeaway I wish to remember all my life, no matter the circumstances.