Not Just a Pretty Garden: A Mosaic Study Exploring Tensions Between Cultural Aesthetics and Pedagogical Intentions in Chinese Preschool Outdoor Spaces

High-quality outdoor spaces are crucial for fostering children’s holistic development and wellbeing. This study investigates children’s perspectives on desirable preschool outdoor spaces in a private demonstration preschool in China, highly regarded for its outdoor environment. Using affordance theory and the Mosaic approach, multiple methods—observations, child-led photography tours, map-making, and interviews—were employed to triangulate children’s voices. Findings highlight the role of aesthetic affordances in supporting exploration and play. The research argues for balancing cultural aesthetic expectations with interactive, child-centered pedagogies, offering insights into creating outdoor spaces that promote meaningful play experiences aligned with cultural and pedagogical goals.