Due in part to Imelda Marcos' "edifice complex", there was a building boom in Metropolitan Manila in the 70's and early 80's.
An early morning stroll in Legazpi Village in Makati yielded several examples of Philippine 70's architecture. Immediately visible is the influence of Imelda's favorite architect, Leandro "Lindy" Locsin.
This take on 70's Moderne is distinguished by a sharp bold geometric style with heavy use of gray concrete. I'm sad to report that the grey concrete did not age well. A lot of the buildings have deteriorated in the tropical weather and has taken the qualities of a modern day Angkor Wat. There are those who tried to merge the 70's Moderne aesthetic with the traditional Spanish Colonial with curious results.
I found it endlessly fascinating. Some buildings were abandoned and I found myself wishing I could buy it and restore it.
BELOW: The building on the right is the Asian Institute of Management. Note the wood paneled trim.
BELOW: On the left is a building on Pasay Road showing the deterioration and lack of maintenance.
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