The purpose of this study is to analyze the interrelationship between the spatial characteristics of play spaces in childcare facilities, their usage, the ease with which caregivers can observe children, and to clarify the architectural planning requirements for play spaces that support children's independent activities. Twenty-seven childcare facilities with attached play spaces were selected from architectural magazines, and nine interviews were conducted. From the results, the requirements of play spaces that support children’s independent activities are that they should be located close to the nursery and visible from multiple locations, spatially variable, and not dedicated to specific activities or children.
