Playon Network

PUBLIC SPACES AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INTEGRATION

Playón de Chacarita, situated in Buenos Aires, typifies the challenges faced by informal settlements in Latin America. Overcrowding, deficient infrastructure, and a diverse migrant population make this neighborhood highly vulnerable. In response, the Playon Network initiative pioneers a collaborative model that empowers local residents to drive the development of resilient public spaces and community infrastructures.

Through participatory workshops, neighbors actively shape the design and implementation of four key projects aimed at transforming Playon. These initiatives include: (i) The Open Agora, a restoration of an inner courtyard to preserve local memory and identity while enhancing environmental quality, (ii) The Guevara garden plot serving as a pocket park and rain garden to mitigate floods, (iii) a sports court for safe youth recreation, and (iv) a community center for cultural and educational activities. Together, these initiatives create a network of green infrastructures and communal areas, essential for improving safety, health, and social well-being in the neighborhood.

Local organizations and cooperatives, deeply embedded within the neighborhood, lead the implementation and construction process. This grassroots approach fosters a sense of ownership and ensures the sustainability of the interventions. By mobilizing diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local NGOs, and international donors, our initiative promotes both climatic and social resilience. Ultimately, it enhances the quality of life for Playón residents and cultivates a more inclusive urban environment, crucial for vulnerable settlements across Latin America.