Circuit City Skate Park: Bridging Communities Through Concrete Waves
In a bold move to redefine urban spaces and build authentic connections with Makati’s vibrant youth culture, Ayala Land partnered with Rezonate to create Circuit City Skate Park. Through deep community engagement, collaboration with local skate brand weLegendary, and a commitment to cultural authenticity, this project transformed an overlooked space into a dynamic hub for skate culture and community life—demonstrating how brands can build bridges, not just buildings.
Creative Direction
Design
Branding
Strategy
Events
Direction
Ayala Land weLegendary
Challenge: Redefining Urban Spaces and Community Engagement
Ayala Land, a trailblazer in reshaping urban landscapes, wanted to create something that wasn’t just another development but a heartbeat for Makati. They needed more than a standard attraction; they needed a space that would speak to the city’s pulse, a place that would bridge the gap between urban development and youth culture. But they faced a challenge: how to tap into the raw energy of a community they didn’t fully understand—the local skateboard scene, a vibrant subculture on the rise.
Goals: Crafting a Space that Resonates
The vision was clear: build something that goes beyond concrete and steel. Create a space that is more than a park—a canvas for connection, a catalyst for culture, a statement that Ayala Land is a part of this community's story. The skate park needed to redefine what urban spaces could be, turning an overlooked area into a magnetic cultural hub. It was also about embedding Ayala Land’s brand into the city's fabric as a forward-thinking developer that truly listens. And it had to do all of this while serving as a launchpad for the estate, sparking interest in the residential and commercial properties surrounding it.
Solution: A Partnership Rooted in Authenticity
Rezonate, under the direction of Nico Puertollano, took up the challenge. Nico, a skater who grew up in the rough-and-tumble streets of NYC and later reconnected with his Filipino roots, understood the delicate balance required. It wasn’t just about building a skate park; it was about creating a place that felt like home to the skateboarders who would ride its waves every day.
The key was authenticity. Nico and the team at Rezonate teamed up with weLegendary, a local skate brand deeply rooted in the community. This wasn’t just a partnership; it was a bridge, a way to tap into the collective heartbeat of the Filipino skate scene. Together, they curated a design process that involved local pros like Raymond Lorenzana and Ansey Flores, ensuring the park spoke the language of those who would use it.
Execution: Engaging the Community and Building Trust
It started with listening, not talking. Understanding the community’s needs, fears, and hopes. Rezonate went beyond the usual design approach, engaging the community from day one. Pro skaters became co-designers. Local voices shaped the conversation. The collaboration with weLegendary extended beyond design; it became a core part of the park’s daily life, managing operations and keeping the space true to its roots. This wasn’t just about building a skate park; it was about crafting a shared vision.
Outcome: A Hub for Urban Culture and Community Connection
Circuit City Skate Park quickly became a beacon, a place where the community felt seen and heard. It wasn’t just a skate park; it was a cultural touchstone, a place where urban culture and community converged. It generated buzz and foot traffic, not just for the park but for Ayala Land's broader development, sparking interest and creating a sense of place. The park also drew branding partnerships, like Pepsi, enhancing its cultural relevance.
But the goal was never just about dollars and cents. The real ROI was in the connections made, the culture fostered, and the brand loyalty built. Circuit City became more than a destination; it became part of the community's fabric.
Insights: Beyond the Financials, A Brand Investment in Culture
This wasn’t just a skate park—it was a statement. Ayala Land wasn’t looking for immediate financial returns; they were playing the long game, investing in a story that connected them to the city’s soul. The skate park became a place where commerce met culture, a point of contact where a real estate developer was redefined as a community partner. It proved that by stepping into the culture authentically, brands could find a deeper, more meaningful connection with the people they aimed to serve.
Conclusion: Building Bridges, Not Just Buildings
Circuit City Skate Park shows what happens when you go beyond the surface—when you engage with a community not as an outsider looking in, but as a participant. For brands that want to be more than a fleeting presence, the lesson is simple: Don’t just build a space. Build a bridge. Be a part of something bigger. Be a part of the story.
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