Mr. Leandro V. Locsin is a distinguished architect in the Philippines who has blended modern architecture harmoniously into the climate of Southeast Asia.

The Philippines has high temperature and high humidity; it is located in a volcanic zone and is thus vulnerable to earthquakes. As a result, durability and ventilation are necessities in Filipino architecture. Large roofs, long eaves and high ceilings are typical characteristics of traditional Filipino architecture.

Mr. Locsin's works beautifully incorporate such traditional qualities with the openness and vastness of modern architecture. His unique interpretation of architectural features such as lattice and curved lines are eloquently expressed in his modern, Western form of art. What lies behind this originality is his principle: to synthesize or to blend Western and Eastern culture. Without this theme, the modern architecture of the West could not have taken root within the existing Filipino architecture.

His private life is characterized by continued commitment to other arts and culture. He is a fine pianist, a deeply committed admirer of oriental art and the visual and performing arts. When his multi-faceted artistic talent is fully exhibited in architecture, its details display a well-calculated beauty of form, and its appearance reshapes the urban landscape.

His architecture enjoys broad recognition and he has garnered many honors and awards. The Filipino architects of the early 20th century were trained in Europe and the United States, and since then almost every Filipino architect of note has taken undergraduate or graduate studies abroad. Mr. Locsin, however, has pursued his studies within the Philippines, and has acquired his formal education from the University of Santo Tomas. His phenomenal career is not only evidence of a natural wealth of talent, but also a tribute to his Filipino mentors and to Filipino culture which in its colorful variety has been a cradle of genius.

As such, Mr. Locsin's achievements have contributed immensely to the advancement and recognition of Asian architectural culture. Therefore, he is surely worthy of the Arts and Culture Prize of the Fukuoka Asian Cultural Prizes.