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.
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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.
PlanningxChange 134: Graffiti / Street Art (?) Dr Cameron McAuliffe
PlanningXChange
56 minutes 34 seconds
2 months ago
PlanningxChange 134: Graffiti / Street Art (?) Dr Cameron McAuliffe
n this episode of PlanningXchange (PX134), we sit down with Dr Cameron McAuliffe, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography & Urban Studies at Western Sydney University. Cameron has written widely on the cultural politics of graffiti and street art, and has advised public authorities on how cities can approach the governance of these highly visible—and often contested—forms of expression.
Our conversation explores:
* The social meaning of graffiti in contemporary cities
* How governments attempt to balance regulation, creativity, and community values
* The role of planning and urban management in shaping the street art landscape
* International perspectives on graffiti and what Sydney’s experience can teach other cities
Cameron offers both scholarly insight and practical reflections from his advisory work with councils and state agencies. For planners, urban designers, and anyone interested in the cultural life of cities, this episode sheds light on a subject that provokes strong reactions but also opens up new ways of thinking about public space.
In Podcast extra / Culture corner Cameron recommends the Vivid Festival in Sydney, a celebration of light, music, and creative culture that transforms the city each year. Jess is diving into the global hit Squid Game, reflecting on its social themes and powerful storytelling; whilst Pete recommends George Orwell’s Coming Up for Air, available as audiobook on YouTube or in book form
Podcast released: 18 August 2025
PlanningXChange
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.
