뉴질랜드 엔비로스쿨 유치원 실외 놀이 공간 구성 및 친환경적 특성에 관한 연구

A Study on the Composition and Eco-Friendly Characteristics of the Outdoor Play Space of Enviroschools Kindergarten in New Zealand

The recent decline in the child population due to low birth rates has heightened the demand for high-quality early childhood education. To overcome this low birth rate crisis, creating an educational and childcare environment where parents can trust and entrust their children to care at their preferred time is essential. This study examined early childhood education spaces in New Zealand, which prioritize children's interests and autonomy over a uniform curriculum, prioritizing nature-friendly environments and child-centered, free play activities. It also sought to explore alternatives for diverse early childhood education spaces. In particular, this study sought to explore various alternatives for enhancing the eco-friendliness of outdoor spaces and play areas in New Zealand kindergartens, which prioritize nature-friendly environments and child-centered, free play activities. Focusing on eight Enviro School-certified kindergartens, this study examined the outdoor space configuration and types and components of outdoor play spaces, and investigated the eco-friendly characteristics reflected in these spaces. The survey results showed that there were eight types of outdoor play spaces: 80% ‘static/social interaction play spaces’, 75% ‘traditional play spaces’, 65% ‘nature-centered play spaces’, 60% ‘adventure/challenge play spaces’ and ‘creative/composition play spaces’, 50% ‘imaginative/role play spaces’ and ‘sustainable life learning play spaces’, 49% ‘imaginative/role play spaces’, and 45% ‘water play spaces’. The survey found that traditional play spaces, which had the highest percentage of play elements, included 100% slides; nature-centered play spaces included 100% sensory gardens; adventure and challenge play spaces included 100% climbing walls and structures; creative and constructive play spaces included 100% loose parts assembly play areas; sustainable living learning play spaces included 100% vegetable gardens; and static and social interaction play spaces included 100% shade trees, tree shelters, outdoor sofas, and benches. The most important eco-friendly planning elements in play spaces were found to be those centered on integration with nature, promoting ecology, eco-friendliness, environmental friendliness, and local character.