This study explores primary school students' perceptions of their learning environments, focusing on the contrast between the idealised, or supposedly timely and well-functioning, spaces depicted in school design documents, and the spaces students actually perceive as conducive to learning.

Using a qualitative approach, the research draws on photographic data taken by students in 3 modern Finnish primary schools in the capital region, along with short descriptions explaining the reasons behind their choices. The photos capture students’ favored and less functional spaces, providing insight into how they interact with their environments and perceive their learning spaces. The research questions are centered on understanding a. what constitutes a “good” learning environment from the students' perspective and b. how their personal representations compare with the features identified in educational research and school design principles as conducive to effective learning.

Students' photos (N=65) were analysed using inductive content analysis to form categories. Themes such as comfort, ergonomy and collaboration emerged as important factors in student-perceived quality. These findings were then compared with existing literature on optimal learning environments, which emphasizes elements such as flexibility, resource availability, and supportive teacher-student interactions. The analysis revealed both alignment and divergence between students' preferences and the theoretical ideals expressed in school design documents, with a notable emphasis on comfort and individualised spaces.

The study contributes to the understanding of how young learners conceptualise effective learning spaces. It provides valuable insights for the design and enhancement of school environments. By incorporating student voice through visual methods, the research offers a nuanced perspective that can inform future school design briefs and the design of flexible, student-centered learning environments that support both individual and collaborative learning activities.

Keywords: Learning environment, visual analysis, school design, perception.