From Provence to Mekong Delta: DE-SO Architects

The architectural firms DE-SO and DE-SO Asia designed the visitor centers in Can Gio, South Vietnam, and Bruoux en Provence, South of France. Both buildings integrate into their respective landscapes and climates, with the Bruoux en Provence building being built in 2010 and the Can Gio building in 2020. The buildings are built from local materials, such as laterite stone in the Saigon River, timber, and concrete from a site in Provence. Both buildings express a special strong attachment with the ground, with views that are like abstract paintings composed of colors strongly imbued with the air moisture or sunlight intensity. At night, the moucharabiehs create subtle, magnetic lanterns whose light changes in accordance with visitor movement within. An angular geometry composes the layout of both projects in contrast with the flowing lines of the surrounding topography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers Limited

Architectural Design:

The architectural firm DE-SO and DE-SO Asia have designed two remarkable visitor centers in Can Gio, South Vietnam, and Bruoux en Provence, located in the south of France. Both buildings seamlessly integrate into their respective landscapes and climates, showcasing a harmonious blend of form and function.

The Bruoux en Provence building, constructed in 2010, stands as a testament to the firm's expertise. Slightly elevated above natural ground level, the Can Gio pavilion reception areas enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, creating a naturally ventilated gazebo that overlooks the mangrove swamp. Built into a hillside, the Bruoux en Provence mines visitor center concourse leverages thermal inertia and the freshness of the ground to create a shaded "cool" space for visitors, overlooking the ocher cliffs paved square.

A distinctive feature of both buildings is their commitment to using local materials. The Can Gio building showcases the grey color of mangrove silt, while the Bruoux en Provence building embraces the orange hue of ocher in Provence. This choice not only supports local economies but also promotes sustainable construction practices, minimizing the environmental impact of transportation.

The abstraction and landscape views are central to the design of these two projects. Each building frames views of the natural landscape in a unique way, resembling abstract paintings composed of vibrant colors influenced by air moisture or sunlight intensity. At night, the moucharabiehs, clad in solid laterite stone bricks at Can Gio and vertical pine screens at the Mines de Bruoux visitor center, create subtle, magnetic lanterns that change in response to visitor movement within.

The angular geometry of both projects contrasts with the flowing lines of the surrounding topography, adding a modern touch to the natural surroundings. The careful consideration of form, function, and the integration with the environment showcases the firm's dedication to creating spaces that enhance the user's experience and promote a deeper connection with the natural world.

In conclusion, the visitor centers in Can Gio and Bruoux en Provence are architectural masterpieces that exemplify DE-SO and DE-SO Asia's expertise in sustainable design. Through their innovative approach and commitment to local materials, these buildings not only provide functional spaces but also serve as a testament to the beauty and diversity of their respective landscapes. They inspire us to embrace the power of architecture to create spaces that are both visually stunning and environmentally responsible.

Weight: 1298g
Dimension: 223 x 284 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781946226471