Playón de Chacarita is a self-built settlement in Buenos Aires, established in 2000 on former railway grounds. The Playón Red project aims to create a network of safe, healthy, and sustainable public spaces through participatory dialogue with local residents. The initiative seeks to foster socio-ecological interactions to build a more inclusive and resilient community. To achieve these goals, a collaborative management model was implemented, integrating local organizations and cooperatives with financial support from re:arc Institute and backing from the Buenos Aires Housing Institute.

Through participatory workshops, residents actively contributed to the design of three key projects aimed at transforming the neighborhood in the first phase: (i) The Inner Courtyard, a restored inner courtyard that preserves local memory and identity while improving environmental quality, (ii) The Guevara Garden, a pocket park that also functions as a rain garden to mitigate flooding, (iii) The Palpa Court, a sports space designed to provide safe recreational opportunities for young people. In a second phase, the project envisions the construction of a Community Center dedicated to cultural, educational, and economic activities.

These initiatives form a network of green infrastructure and communal spaces that are essential to improving safety, health, and social well-being in the neighborhood. Playón Red is part of a broader framework of projects and research aimed at reorienting urban sustainability toward climate adaptation in self-built settlements.

Local organizations and cooperatives, deeply rooted in the neighborhood, lead the implementation and construction process. This community-driven approach fosters a sense of belonging and ensures the sustainability of the interventions. By mobilizing a diverse range of stakeholders—including government agencies, local NGOs, and international donors—the initiative promotes both climate and social resilience. Ultimately, it enhances the quality of life for Playón residents and contributes to a more inclusive urban environment, crucial for vulnerable settlements across Latin America.