PlanningxChange 137: Architecture & Place Making in Vietnam with Olivier Souquet (DE-SO Asia)

In this episode, PlanningxChange travels to Vietnam to speak with Olivier Souquet, French architect and co-founder of DE-SO Asia, a Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)-based design studio renowned for projects that weave together climate, culture, and poetic sensibility. Since establishing DE-SO Asia in 2016, Olivier has guided a diverse body of work across Vietnam—from rural schools and urban housing to major civic and cultural landmarks, including the new City Planning Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh City. His practice embraces both rigorous environmental awareness and a deep respect for local materials, topography, and traditions. Olivier discusses his architectural philosophy—shaped by influences such as Édouard Glissant’s call to “act in your place, think with the world”—and the realities of designing in Vietnam’s tropical context, where rain, heat, and humidity shape the rhythm of daily work. He reflects on building responsibly in a time of ecological change, how poetic gestures sustain creativity, and why uncertainty (“Au Vietnam, rien n’est jamais sûr”) is part of the country’s charm and challenge. This is a conversation about architecture as adaptation, empathy, and imagination—rooted in place yet globally aware. Key Topics * Origins and philosophy of DE-SO Asia * Practicing architecture across French and Vietnamese cultures * The Family Garden studio: daily rituals, nature, and community * Designing the Ho Chi Minh City Planning Exhibition Center * Balancing civic responsibility with poetic intent * The evolving discourse: “Is it still moral to build?” * Advice for young architects and reflections on VietnamDE-DE-SO)’s creative energy About DE-SO Asia Founded in 2016 by Olivier Souquet, DE-SO Asia is a Vietnamese architectural and planning firm working at all scales—from regional masterplans to public buildings and landscapes. The firm collaborates with public authorities, private investors, and international partners, and is recognised for its environmentally conscious, site-responsive designs grounded in local knowledge and craftsmanship.
🌐 de-so.asia Culture Corner/Podcast Extra Olivier recommends the 1961 French classic film ‘Last Year at Marienbad’ directed by Alain Resnais (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Year_at_Marienbad) and the works of Ridley Scott in particular Blade Runner and Inception and the music of Hans Zimmer www.Hans-zimmer.com. Jess talks of returning to playing the violin; Pete talks of a 2000km road trip travellinbg north through rural Australia and the delights with the countryside, small towns and farming districts. Episode released 5 November 2025.