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 135: Stephen Turner on the Japanese Railway System
PlanningXChange
42 minutes 23 seconds
1 month ago
PlanningxChange 135: Stephen Turner on the Japanese Railway System
In this episode of Planningxchange, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell are joined by Stephen Turner, founder of TS Japan Rail a well respected commentator on Japanese rail travel.
Stephen has lived in Japan since the early 1990s and has featured on NHK World’s Japan Railway Journal and Japanology Plus. Through his work, he helps visitors craft memorable journeys across both Japan’s famous Shinkansen network and its lesser-known regional lines.
Together we explore:
* Why Japan’s railways are unique – from punctuality down to the second to a culture of courtesy and order onboard.
* The role of private rail companies such as Tokyu and Hankyu in shaping entire suburbs through transit-oriented development.
* Rail etiquette and staff culture – women-only carriages, the quiet of commuter trains, and the formality of conductors bowing to passengers.
* Railway fandom and culture – from timetable collectors to station melody enthusiasts, and even mention of the 1900's Railway Songs by Owada Takeki (tetsudo shoka).
* Rural and third-sector lines – the challenges of depopulation, the fight to sustain local connections, and the role of tourism in keeping them alive.
* What the future holds – labour shortages, financial pressures, and whether Japan’s model can inspire other countries.
Stephen’s insights open a window onto railways as more than just transport—they are a cultural institution, an engine of urban form, and a source of national pride.
Tune in to hear how the Japanese system blends planning, culture, and innovation, and what lessons it might hold for cities and regions across the world.
In Podcast Extra/Culture Corner Stephen recommends travelling the rural train lines of Japan. Jess notes the relaxing nature of gardening and the book ‘Abundance’ by. Ezra Klein. Pete recommends the book ‘I Want Everything’ by Dominic Amerena. Podcast episode released on 14 September 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.
