플레이스케이프(Playscape) 개념을 적용한 서울형 키즈카페의 놀이환경 디자인 요소 연구

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) The Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced the“Seoul-type Kids Cafe”initiative in 2022 to expand access to public indoor playgrounds where all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, can engage in safe and developmentally meaningful play. As of 2025, more than 130 facilities are in operation; however, notable disparities remain among centers in terms of the balance between dynamic and static areas, developmental suitability, diversity of sensory and creative play, opportunities for social interaction, and levels of physical and cognitive challenge. These inconsistencies indicate qualitative limitations in spatial design, particularly in fostering autonomous, exploratory, and developmentally aligned play. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the spatial characteristics and play environment quality of Seoul-type Kids Cafes and to derive developmentally appropriate design elements by applying the concept of Playscape.(Method) The research methodology consisted of two major components. First, a theoretical review was conducted to examine design factors related to indoor play environments, spatial characteristics of Seoul-type Kids Cafes, and the conceptual foundations of Playscape. Second, six Seoul-type Kids Cafes located in Ttukseom, Dongjak, Mapo, Seodaemun, Dobong, and Yeongdeungpo were selected as case-study sites. Based on children’s developmental stages, the study evaluated play environment elements for each stage and calculated the Playscape Implementation Index (PI_F), which measures the degree to which nine Playscape principles are embodied in spatial design. This index was used to compare developmental suitability and design characteristics across facilities. (Results) The results show that the overall average PI_F score was 2.53 out of 3.00, indicating that most facilities implement the Playscape principles at a moderate to high level. Facilities with stronger digital, educational, and experiential features received higher scores, and all centers demonstrated high performance in visibility (P6) and inclusiveness (P7). In contrast, digital integration (P9) and flexibility (P5) showed significant variation across sites. For infants (Stage S1), sensory-reduced zones and resting areas were largely insufficient, whereas early to late preschool stages (Stages S2–S3) showed the highest alignment with Playscape principles across all facilities. (Conclusions) The conclusion highlights that the consistently high performance in sensory diversity (P2) and inclusiveness (P7) demonstrates the potential of Seoul-type Kids Cafes as public indoor playgrounds that support sensory-rich and universally accessible play. However, the findings also emphasize the need for more refined developmental zoning and flexible, challenge-oriented play structures. The Playscape framework proved to be an effective evaluative and planning tool for indoor public playgrounds, offering meaningful direction for future spatial design. Policy implications include the development of stage-based spatial planning guidelines, enhanced design strategies integrating sensory, challenge, and flexibility components, and training programs to strengthen operators’ understanding of play environments. The study provides foundational insights for the future development of public indoor playground guidelines and design standards.