11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

SPONSORED

Beauty Beyond Brutalism:

Inside the Historic
Architecture of PICC
https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 1/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

The PICC is+ often

ARCHITECTURE considered
INTERIOR NEWS asARTSLocsin’s magnumTRAVEL
& CULTURE opus, with the
state-of-the art structure acting as a pioneer for convention centers
DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS in Asia since it opened its doors to the public.

MARCH 4, 2021 | By THE BLUPRINT TEAM

History is often intertwined with larger-than-life personalities, landmark decisions, as well

as significant events. But sometimes, a piece of history can also be synonymous with
monumental structures that help define a nation.

The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) is one of the most iconic pieces of
architecture history in the country. Designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro
Locsin, the design of the legendary structure reflected the popular Brutalist Architecture
movement of the 50s up until the 70s. 

Characterized by its heavy use of bare concrete, striking visuals, and defined lines, PICC
was inaugurated on September 5, 1976 to host the World Bank-International Monetary Fund
annual meeting. It has since become one of Locsin’s most famous works and continues to be
the premier Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) venue in the
country, as well as an inspiration and destination for budding architects and
photographers. 

Writer and Creative Director Patrick Kasingsing is the figure behind popular Instagram
profile Brutalist Pilipinas, a curated online platform spearheading the revival of Brutalist
architecture in the public consciousness. He had the opportunity to revisit the iconic
structure sans its usual bustling crowd and events. 

“It was both unnerving and refreshing to see a venue associated with crowds and activity
bare and empty,” tells Kasingsing. “It’s like finally beholding a work of art (as a big fan of
architect Leandro Locsin) without the distraction of crowds; a chance to intimately get to
know a structure in all its physical facets, and how the architect probably beheld the
structure before it opened to the public. For the first time, the stage that held the show, is
the show.”

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 2/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 3/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

T h e i m p o s i n g u p p e r b r i d g e way co n n e c t i n g t h e D e l e g a t i o n B u i l d i n g to t h e P l e n a r y & Re ce pt i o n
Halls.

The PICC is often considered as Locsin’s magnum opus, with the state-of-the art structure
acting as a pioneer for convention centers in Asia since it opened its doors to the public.
The revered event venue is more than just a piece of architectural wonder, in fact, it’s also a
haven for art lovers thanks to its huge collection of artworks from six National Artists
inside their buildings. 

The photographer shares his favorite part of the PICC, saying: “I do have a favorite area to
photograph in the PICC, and that is the upper bridgeway connecting the Delegation
Building  with the Plenary and Reception Halls. This is where one can fully appreciate the
structural acrobatics Locsin was able to execute with the littlest of design gestures.
Sometimes less is more, and all the more memorable too!”

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 4/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 5/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 6/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

The PICC boasts of its Brutalist symmetry through its vast halls.
Asked about his thought process when taking pictures, the photographer shares:
“Whenever I take pictures of architecture, I first walk around leisurely around my subject
before I take photos of whatever catches my attention; it is imperative to get to know your
architectural subject first: to formally assess its form and appreciate how it stands, how it
works, how the spaces flow and connect, and how people interact with it. The angles and
photos reveal themselves after you’ve thoroughly ‘conversed’ with the structure.” 

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 7/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

Vivid showcase of concrete inside PICC.

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 8/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 9/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

Details inside the Reception Hall.

Decades since its establishment, the PICC has been able to keep its revered status both as a
historical landmark and architectural wonder. This is due to the combination of the PICC’s
strenuous efforts on rehabilitation, as well as Locsin’s forward-looking creation, which
surmounted architectural trends throughout the years. 

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 10/17
11/27/22, 10:10 AM Beauty Beyond Brutalism: Inside the Historic Architecture of PICC

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR NEWS ARTS & CULTURE TRAVEL

DESIGN PH SUBMISSIONS

One factor that makes PICC still the premier MICE venue in the Philippines is its ability to
adapt throughout the years, including the “new normal” situation brought about by the
COVID-19 pandemic. PICC has been implementing strict preventive measures within its
premises to ensure the safety and security of all employees, clients and guests, who are
required to undergo temperature scanning and footwear disinfection at entrances. Aside
from the required safety and sanitation measures, PICC also upgraded its WiFi and
technology capacities to address the requirements of virtual and hybrid events.

https://bluprint.onemega.com/beauty-beyond-brutalism-inside-historic-architecture-picc/ 11/17