The Playground Between Preferences and Reality: A Pilot Study at the Belhamzaoui School in Annaba

Abstract

The significance of physical outdoor play is well-established, benefiting child development across multiple dimensions, including physical, psychological, social, and cognitive aspects. Given that children spend a significant portion of their time at school, it is crucial that their recreational needs are met through the outdoor spaces available within these institutions, primarily the playground. This study focuses on the primary users of this space—the students—and investigates their preferences regarding the use of the playground. We selected Belhamzaoui Abdelaziz School as a pilot case, developing criteria related to the configuration and design of the space, which guided the development of a student questionnaire and the conduct of field observations. The results of this study reveal the degree of alignment between the students' preferences and the existing conditions of the playground, providing insights that could guide potential redesigns, serve as a model for further analysis, or inform new designs. KEYWORDS: child, outdoor play, playground, elementary school, usage preferences