Interview with Scene Plus
Scene Plus Co.,Ltd was established in 2015 by architect, urban planner Dang Thuc Trang to implement the sustainable projects for the cities and provinces in Vietnam.
Designer of the Day Interview
10 May 2021
With a background in architecture from 1999, I obtained master degree in landscape design at ENSA Versailles in 2005 and a in Urban Planning at IUP in 2007.
Since 2005, I have worked with Lecaron Architecte who has the projects considered European heritages in France.
I came back to Vietnam in 2009 with an ambition to work and to get more and more experiences in my country and I have been involved in many interesting projects while working for several international firms like Hyder Consulting, B+H Architects, dwp...in a role of senior architect, landscape architect, urban planner.
With 20 years extensive experience in all phases of building process in Vietnam and France, I am the Founder and director of Scene Plus Architects, a prestigious urban planning and architecture consulting firm in Ho Chi Minh City, specializing in designing and consulting sustainable development projects, Implementing projects on urban planning, master planning, housing projects, tourism, hotels, health & education; develops research on bioclimatic solutions, ventilation and uses natural energy efficiently.
In 2018, I have completed the EMBA at the UQAM, Canada, become an expert in management, strategy, spatial planning and land use planning, effective use of integrated resources, to develop a world-class professional collaborator network to provide the best quality consulting services to clients, State administration authorities.
My company is a collaborator of AUF via Hanoi Architecture University, co-organizer for a chain of on-site workshops to operate Living-Lab method in Urban Planning and Education.
I have been involved in scientific committee of CIGOS 2019 organized by AVSE, in charge of Urban Planning, Transport and Environment Session.
I have been also invited by AUF to present at the AUF’s 2019 annual conference in Dakar, Senegal about the Living-Lab method for Urban Planning in Vietnam: “State - Academy - Enterprise - Society, an operational model for planning the city”.
I am also involved in projects such as KC, CIGOS, Development strategy consulting for Bac Lieu, HCM city of the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE Global).
Since 2005, I have worked with Lecaron Architecte who has the projects considered European heritages in France.
I came back to Vietnam in 2009 with an ambition to work and to get more and more experiences in my country and I have been involved in many interesting projects while working for several international firms like Hyder Consulting, B+H Architects, dwp...in a role of senior architect, landscape architect, urban planner.
With 20 years extensive experience in all phases of building process in Vietnam and France, I am the Founder and director of Scene Plus Architects, a prestigious urban planning and architecture consulting firm in Ho Chi Minh City, specializing in designing and consulting sustainable development projects, Implementing projects on urban planning, master planning, housing projects, tourism, hotels, health & education; develops research on bioclimatic solutions, ventilation and uses natural energy efficiently.
In 2018, I have completed the EMBA at the UQAM, Canada, become an expert in management, strategy, spatial planning and land use planning, effective use of integrated resources, to develop a world-class professional collaborator network to provide the best quality consulting services to clients, State administration authorities.
My company is a collaborator of AUF via Hanoi Architecture University, co-organizer for a chain of on-site workshops to operate Living-Lab method in Urban Planning and Education.
I have been involved in scientific committee of CIGOS 2019 organized by AVSE, in charge of Urban Planning, Transport and Environment Session.
I have been also invited by AUF to present at the AUF’s 2019 annual conference in Dakar, Senegal about the Living-Lab method for Urban Planning in Vietnam: “State - Academy - Enterprise - Society, an operational model for planning the city”.
I am also involved in projects such as KC, CIGOS, Development strategy consulting for Bac Lieu, HCM city of the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE Global).
With a passion in nature, in landscape since I was a child, I was inspired by my father who was biologist, I loved to draw, paint the scenery, the houses with garden. I became naturally a designer in a simple way like that.
After graduation from Hanoi Architecture University, I have worked for more than 1 year in heritage restoration and conservation industry in Hue city, ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. I have chance to understand the traditional architecture, landscape, planning also the cultural integration in the French colonial period.
Working with Lecaron Architecte in France reinforce my design orientation. I am particularly interested in conservation and exploiting the heritage value of the nature and the culture on each site we study.
Do planning, landscaping and urban design, in a large scale, open spaces, I always orient my designs for buildings, even for interior to open toward the nature, to view to landscape.
After graduation from Hanoi Architecture University, I have worked for more than 1 year in heritage restoration and conservation industry in Hue city, ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. I have chance to understand the traditional architecture, landscape, planning also the cultural integration in the French colonial period.
Working with Lecaron Architecte in France reinforce my design orientation. I am particularly interested in conservation and exploiting the heritage value of the nature and the culture on each site we study.
Do planning, landscaping and urban design, in a large scale, open spaces, I always orient my designs for buildings, even for interior to open toward the nature, to view to landscape.
For us, the name of our firm explains our philosophy: Scene is not only a silent landscape, but also a Scene in the movie. You can see the landscape, the architecture, hear the music and the conversations, feel the emotions of personages, you see the life! Plus signifies that for each design, we have to find 5 other elements : Locomotive (like the motor of an engine, a reason for existence) of development, the Sustainable, the Humanity, the High quality, the Cost control... to create an unique design, unique project. We never copy from our-self, neither from somewhere else. Each design is unique.
To do a design, a project, we have to pass through the process : site analysis, evaluate about the access, natural and cultural condition, proposal by hand sketches, then do the concept design, then the last but not least the execution documents.
Sometimes we do the mock-ups and physical models, but almost time we do computer aided design and renderings.
To do a design, a project, we have to pass through the process : site analysis, evaluate about the access, natural and cultural condition, proposal by hand sketches, then do the concept design, then the last but not least the execution documents.
Sometimes we do the mock-ups and physical models, but almost time we do computer aided design and renderings.
With a passion in nature, in landscape since I was a child, I was inspired by my father who was biologist, I loved to draw, paint the scenery, the houses with garden. I became naturally a designer in a simple way like that.
Interview about Pilgrimage to Lang Song CBT Development Design Interview
Design Legend Interview
5 July 2024
With a background in architecture since 1999, I am the CEO of Scene Plus Architects. I am a Vietnamese architect who studied at the School of Architecture of Versailles in 2005 and at the Paris Institute of Urban Planning in 2007. Holding master’s degrees in Landscape Design and Urban Planning, I have 25 years of experience in all phases of the construction investment process in Vietnam and France.
My motivation comes from a passion for creating spaces that improve the quality of life for people. I became a designer to make a tangible impact on the environment and to bring innovative ideas to life through architecture and urban planning.
I chose to become a designer. My love for architecture and urban spaces naturally led me to this career path. My father was a biologist, so I have been familiar with plants and trees in the garden since childhood. Therefore, our designs always focus on eco-friendly solutions.
We design architectural, landscape, and urban projects, and sometimes the interiors of public services. For example, if you pass through Ho Chi Minh City, you can see the Vietnam Airlines international lounge in Tan Son Nhat Airport, which is one of our designs. We focus on sustainable and community-driven designs. I wish to design more projects that integrate green spaces and promote urban acupuncture, enhancing the livability of urban areas.
Young designers should continuously learn, stay curious, and embrace challenges. Building a strong foundation in both theory and practice, and being open to new ideas, are crucial steps to becoming a design legend.
A good designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing designs, while a great designer goes beyond to innovate and inspire, creating timeless works that significantly impact society.
A really good design seamlessly blends functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. It should address the needs of its users while enhancing the environment it inhabits.
Good design improves the quality of life, fosters community, and can lead to economic benefits. Investing in good design ensures sustainable and resilient environments for future generations.
If I had the time, I would design inclusive public spaces that foster community interaction and cultural exchange, focusing on underserved communities.
My dream project is to create a large-scale urban park along the Saigon River that integrates local culture, promotes biodiversity, and serves as a hub for community activities and environmental education. With a series of 42 multifunction parks, the project, titled "Awakening the Green-Blue Dragon," aims to make the Saigon River a new wonder of the world.
My secret ingredient is a deep understanding of the local context and a commitment to sustainability. Listening to the community and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams are also key elements of my success.
I am inspired by design masters such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Norman Foster, and Zaha Hadid, whose innovative approaches have shaped modern architecture and urban planning. I must also mention an important person, Lecaron Jacques-Emile, our respected French advisor, who is considered the architect-poet of the Meudon-Clamart area. His well-known houses, recognized as European heritage sites, blend harmoniously with nature.
I admire the works of Renzo Piano, especially the Centre Pompidou, for its bold and innovative design that challenged conventional architecture norms.
My greatest design is the Pilgrimage CBT Development, a place that has historically witnessed the formation and development of modern Vietnamese national writing (Quoc Ngu). It was the location of one of the first three printing houses that published the first documents in Quoc Ngu. The architectural ensemble is well-preserved in a remarkable landscape environment, which needs "protection" and revaluation as architectural and cultural heritage in the current context of uncontrollable urbanization taking place everywhere.
By determining a landscape protection zone (the existing rice fields) around the Seminary and a main axis that connects it to the Ha Thanh River, the project retraces the history of the journey of the Jesuit missionaries and promotes the history of Quoc Ngu. The goal is to bring its history out of the seminary and share it with both the Vietnamese and international public.
By determining a landscape protection zone (the existing rice fields) around the Seminary and a main axis that connects it to the Ha Thanh River, the project retraces the history of the journey of the Jesuit missionaries and promotes the history of Quoc Ngu. The goal is to bring its history out of the seminary and share it with both the Vietnamese and international public.
People can improve by constantly learning, seeking feedback, and staying updated with industry trends. I have always focused on continuous education and hands-on experience to refine my skills.
Design is the process of creating solutions that enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability of the built environment. It is a way to positively impact people's lives and the world around us.
Design is the process of creating solutions that enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability of the built environment. It is a way to positively impact people's lives and the world around us.
My biggest supporters have been my family, mentors, and colleagues who have encouraged and inspired me throughout my career.
A combination of formal education, practical experience, and a passion for innovation and sustainability helped me become a great designer.
Some obstacles included navigating the competitive industry, staying updated with evolving technologies, and balancing client expectations with design integrity.
Designers should present their work clearly and compellingly, using visuals, models, and narratives that convey the design’s intent, functionality, and benefits.
My next project focuses on urban acupuncture, creating small-scale interventions that collectively improve urban areas. Expect innovative solutions that enhance community living and sustainability.
My ultimate goal is to create designs that positively impact society, promote sustainability, and leave a lasting legacy of innovation and excellence.
People expect high-quality, innovative designs that address current challenges and anticipate future needs, while also demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.
Design improves the built environment, fosters community engagement, enhances accessibility, and promotes sustainability, contributing to a better quality of life for all.
As mentioned above, I am currently working on a community-driven urban project that incorporates green spaces, cultural elements, and sustainable design principles. We propose a series of 42 multifunction parks. The project, titled "Awakening the Green-Blue Dragon," aims to transform the Saigon River area into a vibrant and sustainable urban landscape.
The Pilgrimage CBT Development project gave me the most satisfaction due to its successful integration of cultural heritage, community needs, and environmental sustainability. It is a unique place that tells the unique story of the Quoc Ngu national script of Vietnam.
I would like to see a greater emphasis on sustainable and inclusive design practices, along with more interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex urban challenges.
The design field is heading towards more sustainable, technology-driven solutions that prioritize human-centered design and resilience in the face of climate change.
The time to finalize a design project varies based on its complexity, typically ranging from several months to a few years.
I start with thorough research and analysis of the site, context, and user needs, followed by brainstorming and conceptual design phases.
My life motto is "Design with purpose, innovate with passion, and build for a sustainable future." I am dedicated to creating a quality, sustainable, and humane living environment for the community.
I believe that there is an interaction between design and trends. Design can create new trends, and trends can also influence the direction of design.
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing design precision, visualization, and sustainability through advanced tools and methods.
I use a variety of design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with 3D printing and virtual reality tools for visualization.
Color, materials, and ambiance are essential elements that influence the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and emotional impact of a design.
I wish people to ask about the thought process behind the design, how it solves specific problems, and its impact on users and the environment.
I think about the innovative aspects of the design, the challenges it addresses, and the potential impact it can have on the industry and society.
My ideal design partner is someone who shares a vision of innovation and sustainability. I believe in co-design as it fosters collaboration and diverse perspectives It can create richer and more comprehensive ideas.
Interacting with clients, community members, and interdisciplinary teams has significantly influenced and enriched my design approach.
Books on urban planning, sustainability, and architectural theory, such as "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs, have had a profound impact on my design philosophy. Additionally, the movie "Citizen Jane: Battle for the City," which explores her life and work, has also been highly influential.
I developed my skills through continuous education, practical experience, and learning from both successes and failures in various projects.
I would love to meet and discuss with Leonardo da Vinci, as his multidisciplinary approach to art, science, and engineering is incredibly inspiring.
I feel honored and grateful for the recognition. While it comes with responsibilities, it also provides a platform to inspire and contribute to the design community.
My favorite color is green, place is Paris, food is Vietnamese pho, season is spring, thing is my sketchbook, and brand is Muji for its simplicity and functionality.
Once, during a presentation to a client, I accidentally referred to their building as a "giant cake" due to its tiered design. The client found it amusing, and it became an inside joke for the rest of the project. It was a fun reminder to keep things light-hearted and enjoyable, even in professional settings.
Seeing my designs come to life and positively impact people motivates me. I stay inspired by engaging with the community and continuously seeking new ideas.
As a child, I was always fascinated by building and creating things, whether it was drawing, crafting, or constructing with Lego. It was evident that I had a passion for design.
In a thousand years, I envision a world where sustainable and adaptive designs have created harmonious living environments, with advanced technologies seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
I want my fans to know that my designs are driven by a deep respect for nature, culture, and community. I believe in the power of design to create positive change and I am committed to continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in my work.
Designer Interview
13 May 2021
With a background in Architecture since 1999, I have been then educated at School of architecture of Versailles in 2005 and at Institute of Urban Planning of Paris in 2007. Holding Landscape design and Urban Planning Master degrees, I have 20 years extensive experience in all phases of building process in Vietnam and France.
Since 2005, I have worked with Lecaron Architecte who has the projects considered European heritages in France.
I came back to Vietnam in 2009 with an ambition to work and to get more and more experiences in my country and I have been involved in many interesting projects.
With a passion in nature, in landscape since I was a child, my art is combined in planning and landscaping and urban design, in a large scale, open spaces. I always orient my designs for buildings, even for interior open toward the nature, to view to landscape. I am particularly interested in conservation and exploiting the heritage value of the nature and the culture on each site we study.
Since 2005, I have worked with Lecaron Architecte who has the projects considered European heritages in France.
I came back to Vietnam in 2009 with an ambition to work and to get more and more experiences in my country and I have been involved in many interesting projects.
With a passion in nature, in landscape since I was a child, my art is combined in planning and landscaping and urban design, in a large scale, open spaces. I always orient my designs for buildings, even for interior open toward the nature, to view to landscape. I am particularly interested in conservation and exploiting the heritage value of the nature and the culture on each site we study.
Founded in 2015, SCENE PLUS, an eco-friendly studio of architects based in HCMC, specializes in master planning and landscape design for housing, hospitality, healthcare & educational projects. We work together in cooperation with Lecaron Architecte and other consultants and develop a new way of thinking about Vietnamese architecture, landscape, implementing innovative projects.
Particularly interested in sustainable projects, holistic designs and smart growth concerns, SCENE+ is committed to developing high quality sustainable landscape and architecture that benefits people and environment. We have a thorough understanding of the proactive design approach required to meet today’s demand for sustainable development at the same time commercially practical projects.
With a simple but effective management structure, SCENE+ pays much attention to international cooperation and development of professional collaborators network in order to deliver the best quality consultancy products to Client.
Since 2017, Scene Plus is pioneer in using the Living-Lab method for Urban Planning in Vietnam: State - Academy - Enterprise - Society, an operational model for planning the city.
After 5 years, SCENE+ has been achieving good prestige toward Clients and partners. Our clients have discovered our professionalism, our involvement in their projects, the deeply right and beautiful concept we develop just for them. It’s why, between them and us, very confident relationships exist and allow to realize their projects in the best conditions. With a strong belief in result of its cooperation with Clients, SCENE+ was nominated to proceed a number of projects such as Cua Can Marina in Phu Quoc; Thi Nai EcoBay and Hon Kho, Quy Nhon University, Nhon Ly fishing village and Lang Song community based tourism development in Quy Nhon; U Royal Hoi An Hotel, Hong Duc Physiotherapy Hotel-hospital, My Son Heritage resort and Spa, Dam Sen Park in HCMC, Saigon-Mui Ne, Saigon Vinh Long, Landscape for VAS school in District 2, Dalat Paradise Garden, and Suoi Hoa resort in Dalat…
Particularly interested in sustainable projects, holistic designs and smart growth concerns, SCENE+ is committed to developing high quality sustainable landscape and architecture that benefits people and environment. We have a thorough understanding of the proactive design approach required to meet today’s demand for sustainable development at the same time commercially practical projects.
With a simple but effective management structure, SCENE+ pays much attention to international cooperation and development of professional collaborators network in order to deliver the best quality consultancy products to Client.
Since 2017, Scene Plus is pioneer in using the Living-Lab method for Urban Planning in Vietnam: State - Academy - Enterprise - Society, an operational model for planning the city.
After 5 years, SCENE+ has been achieving good prestige toward Clients and partners. Our clients have discovered our professionalism, our involvement in their projects, the deeply right and beautiful concept we develop just for them. It’s why, between them and us, very confident relationships exist and allow to realize their projects in the best conditions. With a strong belief in result of its cooperation with Clients, SCENE+ was nominated to proceed a number of projects such as Cua Can Marina in Phu Quoc; Thi Nai EcoBay and Hon Kho, Quy Nhon University, Nhon Ly fishing village and Lang Song community based tourism development in Quy Nhon; U Royal Hoi An Hotel, Hong Duc Physiotherapy Hotel-hospital, My Son Heritage resort and Spa, Dam Sen Park in HCMC, Saigon-Mui Ne, Saigon Vinh Long, Landscape for VAS school in District 2, Dalat Paradise Garden, and Suoi Hoa resort in Dalat…
For me "design" is the creation of designer to make a physical product upon the look and functioning serving the human, for human, to satisfy the human's needs.
I like all kinds of works in designing industry
My favorite material is eco friendly one, using many plants, and easy to find in the local.
In the early stage of the design, when we do brainstorming and first sketches. I feel that is the most creative time.
I focus more on the function of the design during the designing process. The first I do before designing is analysis, and evaluation of the site then propose a program explaining the functions of the design.
I feel excited, inspired when I design.
I feel very proud when your designs are realized.
A successful design explains its function, is user-oriented, focus on the detail and satisfy the human's needs
For me, the first aspect that I consider when talking about a design is the "raison d'etre", its reason for being. Every design must serve a purpose, some kind of human need..
In my opinion, the responsibility of a designer to society and the environment is in the designer's understanding of what the design serves the needs of society and how it affects the environment. Sometimes designs are designed to honor the values of nature and culture, but sometimes there are designs that warn of the harmful effects of human behavior on the environment and life in the present and in the future. Depending on the location, situation, the designer must be creative and choose the appropriate theme to create a valuable design product.
Currently "design field" is expanding unlimited. Even in this competition, we also see a lot of categories, topics and tools to implement. And an increasingly prominent factor is technology. In the past, design was simply hand-drawn in the past, but in the future, it seems that artificial intelligence allows us to be creative by doing nothing in the usual physical way. We can even imagine machines scanning ideas from people's brains... The old fiction might not be far off. In the Covid era with the physical separation, people can't interact directly with each other, the design that serves the human needs would be forced to focus more on the intangible..
Yes, we are working as a team, in