Scene Plus

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Scene Plus ("SP") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

SP : 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.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

SP : 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.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

SP : 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.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

SP : 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.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

SP : 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.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

SP : 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.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

SP : A really good design seamlessly blends functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. It should address the needs of its users while enhancing the environment it inhabits.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

SP : 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.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

SP : If I had the time, I would design inclusive public spaces that foster community interaction and cultural exchange, focusing on underserved communities.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

SP : 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.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

SP : 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.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

SP : 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.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

SP : I admire the works of Renzo Piano, especially the Centre Pompidou, for its bold and innovative design that challenged conventional architecture norms.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

SP : 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.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

SP : 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.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

SP : 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.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

SP : 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.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

SP : My biggest supporters have been my family, mentors, and colleagues who have encouraged and inspired me throughout my career.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SP : A combination of formal education, practical experience, and a passion for innovation and sustainability helped me become a great designer.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

SP : Some obstacles included navigating the competitive industry, staying updated with evolving technologies, and balancing client expectations with design integrity.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

SP : Designers should present their work clearly and compellingly, using visuals, models, and narratives that convey the design’s intent, functionality, and benefits.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

SP : 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.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

SP : My ultimate goal is to create designs that positively impact society, promote sustainability, and leave a lasting legacy of innovation and excellence.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

SP : People expect high-quality, innovative designs that address current challenges and anticipate future needs, while also demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SP : Design improves the built environment, fosters community engagement, enhances accessibility, and promotes sustainability, contributing to a better quality of life for all.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

SP : 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.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

SP : 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.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

SP : I would like to see a greater emphasis on sustainable and inclusive design practices, along with more interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex urban challenges.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

SP : The design field is heading towards more sustainable, technology-driven solutions that prioritize human-centered design and resilience in the face of climate change.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

SP : The time to finalize a design project varies based on its complexity, typically ranging from several months to a few years.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

SP : I start with thorough research and analysis of the site, context, and user needs, followed by brainstorming and conceptual design phases.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SP : 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.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

SP : 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.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

SP : Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing design precision, visualization, and sustainability through advanced tools and methods.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

SP : 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.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

SP : Color, materials, and ambiance are essential elements that influence the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and emotional impact of a design.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

SP : 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.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

SP : 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.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

SP : 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.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

SP : Interacting with clients, community members, and interdisciplinary teams has significantly influenced and enriched my design approach.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

SP : 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.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

SP : I developed my skills through continuous education, practical experience, and learning from both successes and failures in various projects.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

SP : I would love to meet and discuss with Leonardo da Vinci, as his multidisciplinary approach to art, science, and engineering is incredibly inspiring.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

SP : 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.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

SP : 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.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

SP : 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.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

SP : 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.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

SP : 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.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

SP : 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.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

SP : 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.