Design preferences for learning spaces among rural primary school students in China: A case study

This study investigated the design preferences of rural primary school students with regard to learning spaces in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China, focusing on spatial layout, physical attributes, technology and furniture arrangements. The research aimed to identify the critical needs of rural schools and students, especially in the context of China's education reform strategy. A combination of a tailored card-sorting activity and semi-structured interviews, specifically suited to the cognitive levels of primary school students, were used to gather data from 36 students across six grades in three case study schools. Findings revealed that students prefer flexible spaces equipped with modern technology and ergonomic furniture. Lower-grade primary school students favoured colourful, interactive spaces, while upper-grade primary students preferred more personalized learning and social spaces with advanced technology. The study emphasizes the need for future rural schools designs to incorporate updated technology and flexible furniture configurations to support the evolving teaching and learning methods. These findings also provide practical guidance for architects, educators and policymakers involved in the renewal and retrofitting projects of rural school buildings in China in the development of learning spaces aligned with Chinese education reforms and UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4).