Cover Designed like a light-filled conservatory, the newly unveiled Parklinks Experience Center—styled by interior designer JJ Acuña—blends modern Filipino heritage, handcrafted local artistry and flexible social spaces for the surrounding communities
Designed like a light-filled conservatory, the newly unveiled Parklinks Experience Center—styled by interior designer JJ Acuña—blends modern Filipino heritage, handcrafted local artistry and flexible social spaces for the surrounding communities
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Designed like a light-filled conservatory, the new Parklinks Experience Center blends contemporary Filipino design with flexible social spaces for surrounding communities
Celebrated interior designer JJ Acuña centred on modernising Filipino heritage and design for the recently unveiled Parklinks Experience Center, situated right in the heart of two thriving metropolises.
Rather than relying on traditional motifs in a literal sense, the interior thoughtfully honours Filipino heritage by reimagining indigenous materials, local craftsmanship and native architectural sensibilities—such as the openness and breezy atmosphere reminiscent of the classic bahay na bato and traditional verandahs—for today’s urban lifestyle.
A joint venture between Ayala Land and ETON Properties, the Parklinks Experience Center is a redefined showroom space that also provides opportunities for communities in Pasig and Quezon City to converge and connect. Drawing from that mission, Acuña notes, “I envisioned a light-filled environment, similar to a conservatory, where it sits not quite outside but not quite inside the home.”
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Above Parklinks Experience Center main gallery, featuring a diorama of Metro Manila and a cocktail bar (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land Inc)
Parklinks Experience Center main gallery, featuring a diorama of Metro Manila and a cocktail bar (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land Inc)
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Anchored in the architecture of conservatories, where furniture for socialisation sits within greenery and a warm atmosphere, Acuña designed the space to feel inviting and to urge visitors to stay longer than intended. He also conceptualised the space to be flexible enough to accommodate different kinds of social activities.
Visitors would be welcomed by the main gallery, featuring a small-scale diorama of Metro Manila. Right behind it is a curated bar area where community members can engage in conversation over a drink or two.
Also in the main gallery are scale models of the Parklinks North and South towers and the Lattice at Parklinks.
Above Discussion areas (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land Inc)
Discussion areas (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land Inc)
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The rest of the main gallery features whimsical, yet functional, furniture pieces for all kinds of conversations and discussions.
“We wanted to preserve the large, breathable volume and generous ceiling height. The move was really about creating pockets for conversation within that openness,” Acuña mentioned. “Ultimately, the space supports meaningful conversations and meetings,” he added.
As one takes in the overall design, one can’t help but be drawn to the columns wrapped in handcrafted tiles, with their imperfections lending the space a raw, intimate vibe.
Above A scale model of Parklinks North and South Towers (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land Inc)
A scale model of Parklinks North and South Towers (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land Inc)
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The space also features furniture from Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco, long-time collaborators with Acuña. Their modern take on rattan furniture—a hallmark material of Filipino design tradition—provided a rustic and familiar aesthetic that celebrates indigenous artistry while making the space all the more inviting.
Decorative lighting by local heritage brands Azcor Lighting Systems and Venzon complemented the natural light as the sun set along the Marikina River, highlighting Filipino craftsmanship in handcrafted fixtures and metalwork.
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The Parklinks Experience Center is not only a place for the community to foster, but also a place for interested individuals or families to get a glimpse of the units in the Parklinks estate.
The centre features a three-bedroom showroom, also styled by Acuña, offering interested buyers a glimpse into the potential for each unit at the Parklink towers.
Kitchen (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land Inc)
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The overall design of the showroom was a play with textures and a natural colour palette that complemented the surrounding greenery, grounding modern luxury in a warm, distinctly Filipino sense of home.
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Karis Tsang serves as a Junior Associate Editor at Tatler Philippines. She tells stories at the intersection of high society, local arts and pop culture. A UST journalism alum, she has a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. When she’s not typing furiously against a deadline, she’s likely getting lost in a theatre, overanalysing style or planning her next creative rabbit hole.
