Leandro Locsin

2.1. Early Life and Education

Leandro Valencia Locsin was born on August 15, 1928, in Silay, Negros Occidental, a province where his grandfather served as the first governor. He began his elementary education at De La Salle College in Manila. However, due to the outbreak of the Second World War, he returned to Negros to continue his studies. After the war, Locsin returned to Manila to complete his secondary education at La Salle. He initially pursued a pre-law curriculum before shifting his academic focus to music, enrolling in a Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Santo Tomas. Despite being a talented pianist, he eventually decided to pursue architecture, a decision that would define his professional life.

2.2. Architectural Philosophy and Style

Leandro Locsin's architectural philosophy was deeply rooted in his understanding of the unique confluence of Eastern and Western cultures in the Philippines. He believed that Philippine architecture was a product of this convergence of vastly different and often opposing influences. His work consistently demonstrated a unique commitment to modern Filipino design principles, often diverging from the common trend of his peers who sought education abroad. Locsin was a rare architect who, despite the prevailing notion that foreign study was essential for Filipino architects, remained in the Philippines, developing his distinct style locally.

His signature style prominently featured the use of concrete, a material he found to be relatively inexpensive and versatile for shaping in the Philippines. He mastered the concept of "floating volume," where massive concrete structures appeared to defy gravity, creating an impression of lightness and etherealness. This was often achieved through the use of cantilevers and elevated forms, giving his buildings a sense of grandeur and openness while maintaining structural integrity. His designs were also characterized by their simplistic yet monumental aesthetic, eschewing excessive ornamentation in favor of bold forms and clean lines.

2.3. Career Development and Influences

Locsin's architectural career gained significant momentum in 1955 when, at the age of 27, he received a commission from Father John Delaney, S.J., the Catholic Chaplain at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Father Delaney tasked Locsin with designing a chapel that featured an open plan and could comfortably accommodate 1,000 people. This project resulted in the iconic Church of the Holy Sacrifice in the University of the Philippines Diliman campus. This groundbreaking structure was the first circular chapel in the Philippines to feature an altar in the center and the first to utilize a thin-shell concrete dome. The church's design also incorporated artistic contributions from other future National Artists: Arturo Luz designed the floor, Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok created the Stations of the Cross, and Napoleon Abueva designed the cross. Alfredo Juinio served as the structural engineer for the building. Today, the Church of the Holy Sacrifice is recognized as both a National Historical Landmark and a Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute and the National Museum, respectively.

During a visit to the United States, Locsin had the opportunity to meet and be influenced by prominent architects such as Paul Rudolph and Eero Saarinen. These encounters reinforced his conviction regarding the potential of concrete as a primary building material, leading to its extensive use in his subsequent projects.

Locsin's professional growth was also shaped by his early career experiences. Before taking his board examination, he undertook an apprenticeship at Ayala and Company, now known as Ayala Corporation. During this period, he was commissioned to design the very first building on Ayala Avenue in Makati, along with several residences for the Ayala family, forging a close relationship that would lead to future collaborations.

His career trajectory saw him design numerous significant structures across the Philippines and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a master architect and a pivotal figure in modern Filipino architecture.

3.1. Churches

Locsin's church designs are celebrated for their innovative architectural forms and spiritual symbolism. His works in this category often feature circular plans, soaring roofs, and the distinctive use of concrete, creating spaces that are both monumental and conducive to worship.

• Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1955
• Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Ozamiz City, 1960
• Manila Memorial Park Chapel, Parañaque, 1965 (renovated multiple times between 1990 and 2020)
• Doña Corazon L. Montelibano Chapel, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod, 1965
• Church of Saint Andrew, Bel-Air Village, Makati, 1968
• Holy Cross Memorial Chapel, Novaliches, 1969
• Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, UP Village, Quezon City, 1970
• Chapel of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, Magallanes Village, Makati, 1970 (destroyed by fire in 2004, rebuilt by Arch. Dominic Galicia in 2007)
• Cadiz Church, Negros Occidental, 1972
• Church of the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Malaybalay, Bukidnon, 1983
• St. John the Baptist Church, Kalibo, Aklan, 1993
• St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church, Bacnotan, La Union, 1994 (Locsin's last work)

3.2. Public Buildings

Locsin's public buildings are iconic structures that have come to define key cultural, governmental, and transportation hubs in the Philippines. These projects often emphasize grand scale, civic purpose, and a blend of functional design with artistic expression.

• Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) - Theatre of Performing Arts, Manila, 1969. This is one of Locsin's most recognizable works. Its marble façade is cantilevered 39 ft ^{(12 m)} from the terrace, supported by huge arching columns, giving it the impression of "floating." A large lagoon in front of the theater reflects the building during the day, while illuminated fountains enhance its beauty at night. The building houses four theaters, a museum, galleries, and a library dedicated to Philippine art and culture.
• Renovation of the Old Manila International Airport Terminal, Phase 1, Pasay, 1972. This served as an international terminal for 10 years before becoming a domestic terminal. The site is now occupied by Terminal 2.
• Design Center of the Philippines, CCP Complex, Manila, 1974.
• Cultural Center of the Philippines - Folk Arts Theater, 1974. This is one of the largest single-span buildings in the Philippines, with a span of 197 ft ^{(60 m)}, completed in only 77 days for the 1974 Miss Universe Pageant.
• Fast Food Center, CCP Complex, 1976 (renovated multiple times).
• Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibitions, CCP Complex, Manila, 1976 (demolished in 1995).
• Cultural Center of the Philippines - Philippine International Convention Center, 1976. This is the country's premiere international conference facility.
• Francisco Bangoy International Airport Terminal Building, Davao City, 1980.
• Rizal Park Amphitheater (now Rizal Open Air Auditorium), 1981 (renovated multiple times).
• Ayala Museum (Original), Makati, 1974. Known for its juxtaposition of huge blocks to define interior exhibition spaces. (Demolished; replaced by a new museum designed by his son).
• Complex of Social Welfare Agencies, Makati, including:
  • Population Center
  • Nutrition Center of the Philippines
  • Asian Center for Training and Research for Social Welfare
• National Arts Center, Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna. This complex houses the Philippine High School for the Arts.
• Expo '70 - Philippine Pavilion, Osaka, Japan, 1970 (now demolished and replaced by the Expo '70 Memorial Commemoration Park).
• Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei Darussalam, 1984. This is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and Locsin's largest single work.
• Makati Stock Exchange Building, 1971.
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, 1981.
• Buildings within the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus:
  • Rizal Memorial Centenary Carillon.
  • Obdulia F. Sison Hall (Continuing Education Center).
  • Dioscoro L. Umali Hall (formerly UPCA Auditorium), notable for its large canopy resembling the CCP main theater.
  • Searca Residence Hotel (formerly SEARCA Dormitory Building).
  • Student Union Building (once damaged by fire).
  • Men's Residence Hall.
• Girl Scouts of the Philippines Headquarters, Manila, 1993.
• Citibank Makati, 1994.
• Philippine Supreme Court Building, Manila, 1991.

3.3. Hotels

Locsin's designs for hotels often blended modern aesthetics with an emphasis on creating luxurious and functional spaces for hospitality and tourism.

• Davao Insular Hotel, Davao City, 1960 (now Waterfront Insular Hotel).
• InterContinental Manila, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1969 (closed in 2015; its site redevelopment has been studied with Locsin's firm L.V. Locsin and Partners).
• Hyatt Regency Hotel (now Midas Hotel & Casino Manila).
• Mandarin Oriental Manila (closed in 2014; its site redevelopment has been studied with Locsin's firm L.V. Locsin and Partners).
• Manila Hotel (New Building), 1976.
• Philippine Plaza Hotel, 1976 (now Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel).

3.4. Commercial Buildings

Locsin designed numerous commercial buildings, including office towers, bank headquarters, and industrial facilities, significantly contributing to the urban development of Makati and other business districts.

• Ayala Building 1, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1958
• Filipinas Life Assurance Company Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1958
• Commercial Credit Corporation Building, Buendia Avenue, Makati, 1962
• Integrated Realty Building, Buendia Avenue, Makati, 1962
• Philamlife Company Building, Cagayan de Oro, 1963
• Sarmiento Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1965
• American International Underwriters Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1965
• Sikatuna Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1966
• J.M. Tuason Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1966
• Locsin Building, EDSA, Makati, 1966
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Iloilo City, 1969
• Philippine Bank of Commerce, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1969
• Magnolia Dairy Products Plant, Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City, 1969
• Amalgamated Building, Makati, 1969
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Mandaue, Cebu, 1969
• Union Carbide Philippines, Mandaue, Cebu, 1970
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Naga, 1970
• Filipinas life Assurance Co. Building, Cagayan de Oro, 1971
• Filipinas Life Executive Center, Mandaue, 1971
• Romago Building, Mandaluyong, 1971
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Batangas City, 1971
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Dagupan, 1971
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building Annex, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1972
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Davao City, 1972
• Asian Reinsurance Pool Building, Legaspi Village, Makati, 1972
• Philippine Commercial & Industrial Bank Building, Greenhills, Mandaluyong, 1972
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Tacloban, 1976
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. Building, Cabanatuan, 1976
• EEI building, Pasig, Metro Manila, 1978
• Canlubang Golf & Country Club, Canlubang, Laguna, 1978
• Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig, Metro Manila, 1978
• Philippine Commercial & Industrial Bank Building, Batangas City, 1978
• Canlubang Sports Complex, Canlubang, Laguna, 1979
• PLDT Building (Ramon Cojuangco Building), Makati Avenue, Makati, 1982
• Greenbelt Square Cinema, Paseo de Roxas, Makati, 1982 (renovated in 2002, now Greenbelt 1 Ayala Center)
• Philippine Commercial & Industrial Bank Tower 1 (PCIBank), Makati Avenue cor H.V. Dela Costa, Makati, 1983 (now BDO Corporate Center North Tower)
• Philippine Commercial & Industrial Bank Tower 2 (PCIBank), Makati Avenue cor H.V. Dela Costa, Makati, 1992 (now BDO Corporate Center South Tower)
• Benguet Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, 1983 (demolished in 2011, now BDO Ortigas Center)
• Island Development Bank, Brunei, 1983
• L. V. Locsin Building, Makati Avenue, Makati, 1987
• Samba-Likhaan AILM, Quezon City, 1992
• Ayala-Laguna Technopark Administration Building, Sta Rosa, Laguna, 1993
• Hi-Cement Administration Building, Norzagaray, Bulacan, 1994
• Business World Publishing Corporation Building, 1994
• Bacnotan Cement Plant Administration Building, Bacnotan, La Union, 1995
• Philippine Stock Exchange Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1995
• Ayala Triangle Tower One, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1996
• Ayala Avenue Pedestrianization Underpass, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1966

3.5. Stage and Set Design

Beyond architecture, Locsin extended his artistic talents to the performing arts, designing theatrical sets that complemented and enhanced various productions.

• Sets for Various Ballets by Ricardo Casell, 1954
• Lady Be Good production by Frederico Elizarde, 1954
• Noche Buena, CCP Dance Co., 1970
• Jewels, CCP Dance Co., 1970
• Madame Butterfly, CCP Dance Co., 1972
• Lucifer, Martha Graham Dance Co., for its 50th Anniversary Celebration, New York, 1975
• Adoration, Martha Graham Dance Co., New York, 1976
• Point of Crossing, Martha Graham Dance Co., New York, 1976
• Larawan ng Pilipino Bilang Artista, CCP, 1989
• La Traviata, CCP, July 1990
• Madame Butterfly, CCP 1994
• Midsummer Night's Dream, Ballet Philippines, 1994
• Suite for Lindy, from Ballet Philippines' Ellias, CCP, 1995

3.6. Interior Design

Locsin's holistic design vision extended to interior spaces, where he applied his architectural principles to create coherent and visually striking interiors for residences, corporate offices, and public facilities.

• Leandro V. Locsin Residence, Forbes Park, Makati, 1963
• Locsin Architectural Offices, EDSA, Makati, 1966
• Laguna Estate and Development Corp. Office, Makati, 1966
• Theater for the Performing Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, 1969
• C.J. Yulo and Sons Executive Offices, Pasong Tamo, Makati, 1970
• Philippine Bank of Commerce Executive Suites, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1971
• U.S.I. Executive Offices, Makati Stock Exchange Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1971
• Filipinas Life Assurance Co. (Annex) Executive, Makati, 1971
• Ayala Corporation Offices and Penthouse, Makati Stock Exchange Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1972
• Leandro V. Locsin Beach House, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, 1972
• Kodak Philippines Ltd. Offices, Pasong Tamo, Makati, 1974
• Ayala Museum Executive Offices, Makati Avenue, Makati, 1974 (renovated in 2004 by his son, Arch. Andy Locsin)
• Population Center, Makati, 1974
• Nutrition Center of the Philippines, Makati, 1975
• Asian Center and Research for Social Welfare, Makati, 1976
• Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex, Manila, 1976
• Philippine Plaza Hotel, CCP Complex, Manila, 1976 (now Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel)
• Manila Hotel, Luneta, Manila, 1976
• Locsin Offices, Locsin Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, 1989
• Supreme Court Building, Taft Avenue, Manila, 1991
• French Embassy Headquarters, Makati, 1992
• Phinma Group of Companies HRD, Makati, 1994
• Hi-Cement Administration Building, Norzagaray, Bulacan, 1994
• Philippine Stock Exchange Plaza, Makati, 1994
• Filipinas Heritage Library (formerly Nielsen Tower), Makati Avenue, Makati, 1996