1.Introduction & Context
The Kindergarten La Florida in Villa La Florida, Quilmes, served around 80 children aged 2–5 years. The building, approximately 110 m², also functioned as a multi-purpose space (SUM) for community activities such as workshops, courses, and meetings. These events positively impacted the social and economic life of the neighbourhood, providing opportunities for learning, engagement, and development. However, the dual usage caused significant overcrowding, making it difficult to provide uninterrupted care for the children. Families and staff recognized the need to expand the facility to ensure a safe, comfortable learning environment while maintaining the building’s role as a community hub.
2. Project Goal
The project aimed to improve the quality of early childhood education by creating a dedicated space for childcare while maintaining the building’s role as a community centre. By extending the facility, children could receive undisturbed care, and community activities could continue without conflict. The expansion directly benefited around 80 children and their families, improving educational conditions and supporting the social cohesion and development of Villa La Florida. IngOG+ worked with ISF-Argentina to provide technical guidance, planning, and implementation support to ensure the building met both educational and community needs.
3. Approach & Technical Solution
The solution involved a building extension that added three new rooms: two classrooms and one multi-purpose room, increasing the total usable area to 160 m². The design separated childcare activities from other community functions, allowing both to operate simultaneously. The structure consisted of a steel framework on reinforced concrete foundations. Non-load-bearing masonry walls provided durable enclosures, and corrugated sheet steel roofs ensured protection from weather. Each new room included a window for natural light and a separate toilet, improving comfort and hygiene for children and staff. IngOG+ supported ISF-Argentina in detailed design, fundraising, and technical guidance during construction. The collaboration ensured that the extension was safe, functional, and adapted to local conditions while meeting the educational and community objectives.
4. Lessons Learnt & Impact
The expansion successfully addressed the overcrowding issue, enabling uninterrupted childcare and improved learning conditions for 80 children. By clearly separating educational and community functions, both could coexist in the same building without conflict. The project strengthened the role of the kindergarten as a community hub, supporting workshops, courses, and local engagement. Technical support from IngOG+ ensured durable construction and efficient use of resources, while the partnership with ISF-Argentina facilitated community participation and ownership. Families and staff reported enhanced satisfaction, and the multifunctional design now supports ongoing social and economic development in Villa La Florida. The project demonstrates how targeted infrastructure improvements can create meaningful, lasting impact in local communities.
