Leading modernist architect Lorenzo “Lore” Calma died on January 27 at the age of 97.
“He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered for his generosity of spirit, his faith in others, and the quiet warmth and peace with which he met them,” his children, designer Lorena Calma and architect Eduardo Calma, wrote in a social media post. He also noted his father's “lasting legacy that helped shape modern Philippine architecture.”
With a reputation for using minimalist lines and local materials in architecture, sculpture and furniture design, Mr. Calma is responsible for timeless works such as the Manila International Airport (now known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport) and the Asian Development Bank.
Born in Pampanga on March 4, 1928, he was a multidisciplinary artist who, according to his firm, Lor Calma & Partners, “tried to transform international modernism into an expression of Filipino culture, context and values”. He studied at the Mapua Institute of Technology School of Architecture and Planning and influenced Philippine post-war design in the 1950s and beyond, later becoming a co-founder of the Philippine School of Interior Design in 1967.
He was the recipient of several awards including Most Outstanding Kapampangan in Arts and Architecture (2010) and Outstanding Professional of the Year in Interior Design (1997). His practice is continued by his studio and family through Lor Calma & Partners.
The firm's tribute reads: “His legacy lives on in the values he espoused: restraint over excess, meaning over trends, craftsmanship over convenience. He taught us that design is not about spectacle, but about clarity, purpose and respect – for materials, for context and for people.”
In a Facebook post, his nephew Juan Carlo Calma, also an architect, said his uncle was “a versatile artist and architect.”
“She is always witty with interesting stories, with a very discerning taste – very experimental and always promoting Filipino craftsmanship – the most authentic display of Filipino modern minimalism and one that can truly express the sensual use of local materials and her stunning paper folded architecture shows both restraint and bold statement,” he said.
The vigil will continue at Heritage Memorial Park on January 30 from 3 pm to 10 pm. After this, he will be detained on January 31, details of which will be given.
Mr Calma is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. — BHL