Cover Leandro Locsin wearing the National Artist medallion
Leandro Locsin wearing the National Artist medallion
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A retrospective at Benilde Design + Arts Campus celebrates the groundbreaking legacy of National Artist Leandro Locsin, giving a glimpse behind the scenes of his iconic brutalist architecture
A pioneer in Filipino brutalist architecture, Leandro Locsin is nationally renowned for projects such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine International Convention Center. His creative use of concrete, a relatively inexpensive and accessible material, has left an indelible mark on the world of Filipino art and design.
A retrospective on Locsin’s achievements is currently being held at the 12th Floor Gallery of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus in Malate, Manila. Entitled “The Poet of Concrete: The Architecture of National Artist Leandro Locsin,” the exhibition pays tribute to the architect’s enduring legacy until December 14th of this year.
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Above Locsin in front of the LV Locsin building on Ayala Avenue in 1979
Above National Arts Center, Los Banos Laguna, 1976
Locsin in front of the LV Locsin building on Ayala Avenue in 1979
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When viewers enter the exhibit, they are immersed in a timeline of his most iconic buildings and the stories behind each one. A collection of facsimiles of Locsin’s original drawings, photographs, and models provides an unprecedented understanding of Locsin’s thought process over the years.
There is a particular emphasis on Locsin’s creations for La Salle, the school at which he completed his elementary and secondary education before he studied at the University of Santo Tomas. This section of the exhibition will also showcase Locsin’s unique projects, which have since been demolished but have still had a significant impact on the Philippine design scene.
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Above Leandro Locsin in his office, in the early 1990s
Above The last build by Locsin was the The Church of the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Bukidnon, 1994
Leandro Locsin in his office, in the early 1990s
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The second part of the exhibition focuses on the impact that Locsin has left behind through the Leandro V Locsin Partners, which is currently headed by his son, Andy Locsin. Since Locsin passed away in 1994, they have upheld his commitment to functional yet memorable architecture.
Guests can explore images, texts, and scale models of various projects completed by the firm over the past 30 years. Additionally, interviews with the partners provide viewers with greater insights into how Locsin’s philosophy can enhance contemporary design strategies.
The exhibition also spotlights up-and-coming talents from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Environment and Design. Under the tutelage of architects Jim Caumeron and Kyle Nuestro, the students conceptualised and designed buildings that emulate Locsin’s brutalist approach. The resulting works serve as proof that the Filipino design scene continues to evolve while staying rooted in the past.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
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Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
