Readings in Landscape Architecture

Subject of

COURTYARD DESIGN

by:
Islam El-Ghonaimy, PhD
Department of Architecture and Interior Design,
College of Engineering, University of Bahrain
Kingdom of Bahrain

2018
Publishing by: Dar Al- Tebaa, Alexandria, Egypt

Professional Editing and Proofreading by Mrs. Gehad Ihab, Kiara

Proofreading Center (KPC), Bahrain, Egypt

Formatting by: Elshazly for Academic and Scientific Services (EASS)

(elshazly.zsa@gmail.com), KSA, Egypt

Book Cover designed by Architect Mohamed El-Ghoneimy,

Newcastle, UK
 Al-Nahl - The Holy Quran/ (48) ‫ﺳورة اﻟﻧﺣل آﯾﺔ‬

All gratitude and praise to Allah for granting us the

aptitude and mental faculty, for this research to see the
light.
Dedication

To
My passed away Father
My Mother
My all my Family
Professional Architects, landscape Architects, and Interior
Designers
Students in Architecture, landscape Architects, and Interior
Design branches

iii

Acknowledgement
In the very beginning, I would like to show courtesy to the
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria
University (AU), Egypt, for giving us the platform, to release this
book. I would also like to thank department of Landscape Architecture
staff members in Imama Abdulrahman University (IAU), Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia for their support and exerted efforts.
Special thanks to Deanship of Scientific research and
Department of Architecture and Interior Design, College of
Engineering, University of Bahrain (UoB), for its nourishing
fortification throughout these years of academic practice for teaching
Landscape Architecture.
Sincere appreciation to Prof Sina Berkoz for providing the
opportunity, to teach the course in U.o.B, Dr. Wafa Al-Madany, and
Architect Mohamed El-Ghonaimy, for sharing their experience,
materials photos, data, knowledge and content information of the
book, missing no boat, to supply me with the required data and
assistance.
I am beholden for the students of the Landscape Scape
Architecture and Courtyard courses across different semesters in AU,
U.o.B and IAU, and I am gratefully indebted to them for their very
valuable contribution and comments within lectures and throughout
piling this book.
Finally, I must express my profound gratitude to Mrs. Gehad
Ihab, Editorial Board Chairman, Kiara Proofreading Center (KPC) for
supporting Professional Editing and proofreading, to Elshazly for
Academic and Scientific Services (EASS) for their great efforts in
formatting this book putting it to its final form and to my colleagues
for providing me with unfailing support and continuous
encouragement throughout the research phase and writing process of
this book. This accomplishment would not have been possible without
them.
Thank you.
Author

v
Preface
Open spaces design in general and courtyard, in particular, are
of individualistic features, incarnating the character of the designer in
charge. Nevertheless, the elements and principles of any design are
but mere embodiment to the designer’s innate perspective of a
competent project as a dominant influencing force. These elements
and principles serve as binding codes and regulations, dictating the
progress of the design. Designers reign supreme on the elements of
any design, manipulating them as tools employed, to achieveits
principles in the project. No question, scientifically speaking, the
enlisted elements and principles are still under debate; as the cognition
of the endorsed term “design”is yet controversial. Most artists
incorporate the design conditions into their projects. However, some
artists “break the principles”, to quench their intrinsic need, to set up a
courtyard, using the line, form, texture, and color aspects, to replicate
their own definition of an inclusive composition.
It is worth mentioning, that the aforementioned elements and
principles of the courtyard designer detected within those works of art,
which are by virtueapplied to landscape design on scientific basis.
These elements are determined by the visual and physical features of
the plant and hardscape, formulatingthe landscape design. These
features include line, form, texture, and color. A landscape designer
accentuates these features, to perpetrate the design principles. (Service,
2007) These details and principles are but to consummate an exemplary
manifestation of the denoted art and science of landscape design.
Courtyard is an enthralling topic to investigate, thanks to its
pronounced contribution in buildingopen spaces. Most of the past
designed buildings enclose courtyards, for ventilation, thermal
comfort andwind flow purposes. In open spaces plans, the existence of
courtyards should be mandatory, to mould a sheltering environment or
the residents regarding lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort.
Recently, the awareness of having such courtyards in buildings
has become essential, for many reasons that will be illustrated in later.
Consequently, studying how to design courtyard has become poignant
as well. The most relevant target audience from the field of Interior
Designer, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban design and for
people who are interesting in knowing about indoor landscape
Architecture in buildings.

vii
 The idea of this book is to help the young professionals and
students, to:
o Understand courtyard design and needs.
o provide the professionals in the industrial sectors knowledge
and understanding design philosophies
o Know more about the field, so they can develop their skills
and products to meet market needs.
o Create link between professionals and designers to understand
the basic design visions
o Help young professionals in small scale industries to prepare
suitable accessories or elements that reach their products.
Consequently; the purpose in writing this book is summarized in;
o Displaying knowledge and understanding of the basic theory
of courtyard design.
o Exploring design languages and landscape elements, to create
places for people to live.
o Recognizing the manipulated design tools, to realize the
functional aspect of the courtyard; as a prime factor of
buildings.
o Enriching the basic knowledge of hardscape and softscape
(plant and plant identification and selection of planting’s
materials).
o Enriching the basic knowledge of other finishing materials'
selection and furnishings for the landscaping of courtyards
o Understanding some principles for allocation settings and
services in courtyard.
Therefore; there is a need for a new resource in this area due the
rear academic sources and it tackles the magnitude of the dire need to
the fringed courtyards. Conceptual clarification of both theoretical and
empirical terms in Environment-Behavior and scientific studies are
statutory, to unearth the answer of the aforementioned inquiry. The
book consider the climate impacts on design evolution. Moreover, it
equally highlights the criteria of plant identification and material
selection, focusing on the principles of interior planting design.

viii
List of Contents
Dedication.......................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgement ............................................................................... v
Preface.............................................................................................. vii
List of Contents .................................................................................. ix
List of Tables ................................................................................... xiv
List of Figures ................................................................................... xv
Introduction ....................................................................................... 1
a. Overview .......................................................................................... 3
b. Emphasis of the Book........................................................................ 3
c. The Goals of the Book....................................................................... 4
d. The Objectives of the Book ............................................................... 4
e. Achieving Sustainability and Courtyard Design ................................. 5
f. The Contents ..................................................................................... 5
g. The Sequel of the Book ..................................................................... 5
1. Chapter 1: Open Spaces in buildings.................................................. 7
1.1. Overview ....................................................................................... 9
1.2. Open spaces in designing buildings: ............................................... 9
1.2.1. Definition of Open Spaces in Buildings ............................... 9
1.2.2. The Power of Open Space Design ...................................... 10
1.2.3. The Aim of Open Spaces ................................................... 10
1.3. Principles of Open Spaces Design ................................................ 11
1.4. Variables & Constants Factors of Open Spaces Design ................. 16
1.5. Landscape Architecture and Open Spaces ..................................... 16
1.5.1. Definition of Landscape Architecture ................................ 17
1.5.2. Open Space Improvement Using Landscape Architecture .. 18
1.5.3. Main Elements Used in Open Spaces Design ..................... 19
1.6. Circumscribed Open Spaces Considerations ................................. 20
1.6.1. Achieving Sustainability and Open spaces in Buildings
Design ............................................................................... 20
1.6.2. Courtyard Designis “Art” and “Science” ............................ 26
1.7. Buildings Typology regarding Open Spaces ................................. 26
Points for Further Studies ..................................................................... 29
2. Chapter 2: Understanding Courtyard in Buildings ......................... 31
2.1. Overview ..................................................................................... 33
2.2. Definition of Courtyard in Buildings ............................................ 35
2.3. Sustainable Purpose of Fining Courtyard in Buildings .................. 37
2.3.1. Social ................................................................................ 38
2.3.2. Economical ....................................................................... 38
2.3.3. Environmental ................................................................... 39
2.4. Main Functions of Courtyard ........................................................ 41

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 2.4.1. Domestic Functions ........................................................... 41
2.4.2. Achieving Privacy and Secrecy ......................................... 42
2.4.3. Ensuring High Security Procedures for Family Gatherings. 42
2.4.4. Sustaining Circulation ....................................................... 42
2.4.5. Performing Common Activities ......................................... 43
2.4.6. Enforcing Nature into the House........................................ 43
2.5. Courtyard Configuration .............................................................. 43
2.5.1. Types of Courtyards .......................................................... 44
2.5.2. Courtyard Orientation........................................................ 46
2.5.3. Designing Courtyard ......................................................... 46
2.5.4. Rethinking the Courtyard .................................................. 49
2.5.5. Demand and Popularity of Adding a Courtyard in
Buildings........................................................................... 50
Points for Further Studies ..................................................................... 53
3. Chapter 3: Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings ......... 55
3.1. Overview ..................................................................................... 57
3.1.1. A Historical Synopsis ........................................................ 57
3.1.2. Pre-courtyard Era .............................................................. 58
3.1.3. Courtyards Former Ages ................................................... 59
3.2. The Jordanian Model (6400-6000 BC).......................................... 60
3.3. The Indian Model (6500-6000 BC)............................................... 61
3.4. The First Appearance of Courtyards (3000 BC) ............................ 63
3.5. The Sumerian (Ur) Model (2000 BC) ........................................... 63
3.6. The Roman Model ....................................................................... 64
3.7. The Chinese Model ...................................................................... 65
3.8. Middle Eastern Courtyards ........................................................... 66
3.9. The British Model ........................................................................ 68
3.10. The Early phase of the 20th Century. ........................................... 69
3.11. Islamic Era .................................................................................. 70
3.12. Courtyard in Bahrain ................................................................... 73
3.13. Findings ...................................................................................... 74
Points for Further Studies ..................................................................... 75
4. Chapter 4: Principles of Courtyard Design ...................................... 77
4.1. Overview ..................................................................................... 79
4.2. The Meanings of Landscape Architecture Design of Courtyards ... 81
4.2.1. As Nature .......................................................................... 81
4.2.2. As Habitat ......................................................................... 81
4.2.3. As Artifact ........................................................................ 82
4.2.4. As System ......................................................................... 82
4.2.5. As Problem ....................................................................... 82
4.2.6. As Wealth ......................................................................... 82
4.2.7. As Ideology....................................................................... 82
4.2.8. As History ......................................................................... 82

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 4.2.9. As Place ............................................................................ 83
4.2.10. As Aesthetic ...................................................................... 83
4.3. Supreme Criteria of Courtyard Design .......................................... 83
4.3.1. Outfitted Courtyards .......................................................... 84
4.3.2. Common Forms of Courtyards........................................... 84
4.3.3. The Sense of Enclosure ..................................................... 86
4.3.4. Styles ................................................................................ 86
4.3.5. Performance ...................................................................... 87
4.3.6. The Available Budget ........................................................ 87
4.3.7. Application Issues ............................................................. 87
4.4. Design Issues ............................................................................... 88
4.4.1. Physical issues................................................................... 89
4.4.2. Social Considerations ........................................................ 91
4.5. The Role of Courtyard Design ...................................................... 96
4.5.1. Stimulants and Major Powers Affecting the Mother
Nature of the Place ............................................................ 98
4.5.2. Design Tools ..................................................................... 99
4.6. Conclusion ................................................................................. 100
Points for Further Studies ........................................................................ 102
5. Chapter 5: Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design ................... 103
5.1. Overview ................................................................................... 105
5.2. Courtyard Pavement Design Considerations ............................... 105
5.2.1. Pro-material Selection Phase............................................ 107
5.2.2. Major Types of Pavements .............................................. 108
5.3. Basic Characteristics of Pavement .............................................. 109
5.3.1. Advantages: Pavement is Hard and Durable ..................... 109
5.3.2. Disadvantages: Pavement Holds and Reflects Heat .......... 109
5.4. Functional and Compositional Pavement Uses. ........................... 109
5.4.1. Tolerates intense use........................................................ 109
5.4.2. Provides Guidance........................................................... 109
5.4.3. Authorizes Rate and Rhythm of Movement by the Action
of .................................................................................... 112
5.4.4. Creates Repose ................................................................ 112
5.4.5. Indicates Uses in the Ground Plane .................................. 113
5.4.6. Determines Scale due to the;............................................ 114
5.4.7. Fortifies Unity ................................................................. 116
5.4.8. Works as a Background Setting ....................................... 117
5.4.9. Establishes Spatial Character ........................................... 118
5.4.10. Provides Visual Zest ....................................................... 118
5.5. Guidelines of Pavement Design .................................................. 119
5.6. Basic Characteristics of Pavement .............................................. 121
5.6.1. Surface Texture ............................................................... 121
5.6.2. Brickwork ....................................................................... 122
5.6.3. Color ............................................................................... 123

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 5.6.4. Appearance ..................................................................... 124
5.6.5. Durability. ....................................................................... 124
5.6.6. Implementation Techniques............................................. 125
5.6.7. Time ............................................................................... 126
5.6.8. Maintenance .................................................................... 126
5.6.9. Budget ............................................................................ 127
5.7. Finding: ..................................................................................... 127
Points for Further Studies ................................................................... 128
6. Chapter 6: Softscape “Planting” Design......................................... 129
6.1. Overview ................................................................................... 131
6.2. Aspects of Achieving a Unique Architectural Design Using
Plants ......................................................................................... 132
6.2.1. The Climate .................................................................... 132
6.2.2. Environmental Conditions ............................................... 132
6.2.3. Maintenance .................................................................... 133
6.3. Material ..................................................................................... 133
6.3.1. Types .............................................................................. 134
6.3.2. Size ................................................................................. 144
6.3.3. Plant material’s form ....................................................... 152
6.3.4. Plant Color ...................................................................... 153
6.3.5. Texture............................................................................ 158
6.4. Conclusion ................................................................................. 159
Points for Further Studies ................................................................... 162
7. Chapter 7: Wall finishing in courtyard .......................................... 163
7.1. Overview ................................................................................... 165
7.2. Definition of Green Wall ............................................................ 165
7.2.1. Advantages of the Green Wall ......................................... 165
7.2.2. Categories of Green wall ................................................. 168
7.3. What are the components of green walls? ................................... 169
7.3.1. How are green walls installed and maintained? ................ 171
7.3.2. Do green walls attract unwanted pests, insects, and birds? 172
Points for Further Studies ................................................................... 174
8. Chapter 8: Space Furnishings, Lighting and Services in
Courtyard ........................................................................................ 175
8.1. Overview ................................................................................... 177
8.2. Space Furnishings ...................................................................... 177
8.2.1. Seating ............................................................................ 177
8.2.2. Lounge Chairs ................................................................. 177
8.2.3. Umbrellas and Shading Devices ...................................... 177
8.2.4. Boardwalk ....................................................................... 179
8.2.5. Containers ....................................................................... 179
8.2.6. Planting Beds .................................................................. 179
8.3. Water Feature............................................................................. 180

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 8.3.1. Swimming Pools ............................................................. 181
8.3.2. Artificial Lake ................................................................. 182
8.3.3. Water Fountain ................................................................ 183
8.3.4. Types of Fountains .......................................................... 184
8.3.5. Finishing Materials of Water Features.............................. 188
8.4. Lighting Design.......................................................................... 189
8.4.1. Design Consideration for Lighting Courtyard .................. 191
8.4.2. Technology in Designing Artificial Lighting.................... 193
8.4.3. What to Light .................................................................. 195
8.4.4. Lighting types ................................................................. 196
8.5. Lighting Effects.......................................................................... 197
8.6. A Common Outdoor Lighting Mistake ....................................... 203
8.7. Fire-Resistant ............................................................................. 204
8.8. Characteristics of Fire-Resistant Plants ....................................... 204
8.9. Water and Drainage .................................................................... 205
Points for Further Studies ................................................................... 206
Bibliography .......................................................................................... 207

xiii
List of Tables
Table 1-1: Important influences and major powers on the nature of the
place ..................................................................................... 12
Table 4-1: Stimulates affecting nature of the place.................................. 99
Table 5-1: Elements of environmental states......................................... 106
Table 5-2: Design and courtyards finishing materials............................ 106

xiv
List of Figures
Chapter 1
Figure 1-1: The boundaries of the outdoor places .................................... 9
Figure 1-2: D.S. nursery, Ibaragi, Japan ................................................ 10
Figure 1-3: Takeno nursery Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture, Japan............ 10
Figure 1-4: 62 Housing Units in the Mozart ZAC /
TectonicsofArchitects; Saint-Priest, France ......................... 12
Figure 1-5: Defining the space: rainbow-housing-project-by ark-
house-architects, Helsinki, Finland ..................................... 12
Figure 1-6: Relation between the open spaces and building contents ..... 14
Figure 1-7: Inspiring civic pride............................................................ 14
Figure 1-8: Working with nature ........................................................... 14
Figure 1-9: Protecting our heritage, Ain Azary, Bahrain ........................ 15
Figure 1-10: The open space between Aali Mall and the dining
restaurant,Block 338 ........................................................... 15
Figure 1-11: Contribute to the overall concept ........................................ 16
Figure 1-12: Variables and Constants Factors in designing for open
spaces ................................................................................. 17
Figure 1-13: Improving the open space design in buildings using
landscape architecture ......................................................... 19
Figure 1-14: Design open space inside housing complex ......................... 20
Figure 1-15: Three pillars of sustainable to enhance quality of life .......... 21
Figure 1-16: Basic consideration that are followed in designing
buildings courtyard ............................................................. 22
Figure 1-17: Environmental as important factor in having open spaces
in achieving sustainability................................................... 23
Figure 1-18: The characters of courtyard in ventilation ........................... 24
Figure 1-19: The main characters of ventilation in courtyard ..................... 25
Figure 1-20: Incorporating the multi-disciplinary specialists in
designing open spaces in buildings ..................................... 27
Figure 1-21: Open spaces in houses; Deraya city, Saudi Arabia: By
Architect Hassan Fatehy ..................................................... 27
Figure 1-22: Open spaces in different type of buildings........................... 28
Figure 1-23: Vivazz, Mieres Social Housing complex / Mieres, Spain,
2010 ................................................................................... 29
Chapter 2
Figure 2-1: Shapes of open spaces types in buildings ............................ 34
Figure 2-2: Different open spaces types in houses; Courtyard,
Frontyard, Backyard, Deraya city, Saudi Arabia ................. 34
Figure 2-3: Types and uses, Eco-courtyard of city- a green corridor in
Taipei - city open spaces in buildings.................................. 35
Figure 2-4: The courtyard of Al-Azem Palace in Hama ......................... 35
Figure 2-5: Courtyard with a pool in Marrakech, Morocco .................... 36

xv
Figure 2-6: Courtyard provides seclusion and privacy. .......................... 37
Figure 2-7: Space you walk through. .................................................... 37
Figure 2-8: Courtyard provides the highest level of thermal comfort
possible. ............................................................................. 39
Figure 2-9: Design courtyard can be played as a microclimate modifier
to the environment.............................................................. 39
Figure 2-10: Málaga Museum / Pardo Tapia Arquitectos, Spain .............. 40
Figure 2-11: Cultural House of Pinhel / depA Architects, Spain .............. 41
Figure 2-12: Domestic functions of courtyard ......................................... 42
Figure 2-13: Elevated courtyard.............................................................. 45
Figure 2-14: Mostly enclosed courtyard, Belfast Residence .................... 45
Figure 2-15: Enclosed with a fence courtyard ......................................... 46
Figure 2-16: Fully enclosed by a Building .............................................. 46
Figure 2-17: Alvar-aalto-museum ........................................................... 48
Figure 2-18: Design elements for courtyard. ........................................... 49
Figure 2-19: Rethinking the courtyard. ................................................... 49
Figure 2-20: Demand and popularity of adding a courtyard in buildings.. 50
Figure 2-21: Wide courtyard surrounded by arched porticoes in the
Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia ................................. 51
Figure 2-22: The Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia ........ 51
Figure 2-23: Courtyard tents; outdoor living spaces ................................ 52
Figure 2-24: Courtyard night scape; outdoor living spaces. ..................... 52
Chapter 3
Figure 3-1: Courtyard, Pocatello ........................................................... 58
Figure 3-2: Courtyard in a cloister ........................................................ 58
Figure 3-3: Courtyard in housing, Austria ............................................. 59
Figure 3-4: Courtyard in the Munich Residenz, Bavaria ........................ 59
Figure 3-5: Courtyard at Morocco houses is basic space (past and
present) .............................................................................. 60
Figure 3-6: Courtyard at Spain, within Islamic period in Khalefa
Palace was basic space ....................................................... 60
Figure 3-7: Excavated dwellings at Skara Brae (Orkney, Scotland),
Europe's most complete Neolithic village ........................... 61
Figure 3-8: Courtyard house in Indus Valley Civilization...................... 61
Figure 3-9: Courtyard house in India; in 18th century ........................... 62
Figure 3-10: Chettinad central courtyard house ....................................... 63
Figure 3-11: A domus, with impluvium (courtyard) numbered 7 ............. 65
Figure 3-12: A Chinese courtyard in Beijing........................................... 66
Figure 3-13: A model of a Chinese courtyard “siheyuan”........................ 66
Figure 3-14: The court of the Mosque of Uqba in Tunisia’s city of
Kairouan ............................................................................ 67
Figure 3-15: The Court of Lions in Andalusia......................................... 67
Figure 3-16: Middle Eastern Courtyards ................................................. 67

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Figure 3-17: The classic courts around which mixed retail and
residential life flourished .................................................... 70
Figure 3-18: Entrance to the main courtyard of Uriarte Talavera, in
Puebla, Mexico (first half of 20thcentury) ............................ 70
Figure 3-19: Courtyard and front yard in houses in Arab Countries, Early
20thcentury ......................................................................... 71
Figure 3-20: Courtyard and front yard in houses: By Hassan Fatehy,
Deraya, Saudi Arabia.......................................................... 71
Figure 3-21: Courtyard and front yard in houses: Mohamed
Abdulrahman House, Deraya, Saudi Arabia ........................ 72
Figure 3-22: Courtyard in Saudi Arabia; Al-Ashkary House ................... 72
Figure 3-23: Police main quarter, Bahrain, 1931 ..................................... 73
Figure 3-24: Bahrain fort 2300 to 1800 BC, Bahrain ............................... 73
Figure 3-25: Arad Fort was built in the typical style of Islamic forts
during the 15thcentury ......................................................... 74
Figure 3-26: Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa House (1869-1932). .............. 74
Chapter 4
Figure 4-1: Minimalist courtyard concrete paver courtyard kitchen
photo in Kobe with roof extension clean lines with
minimal hardscape very zen! .............................................. 80
Figure 4-2: Designing courtyard for different types and scale ................ 80
Figure 4-3: Courtyard in traditional houses in Bahrain has positive
social, economic and environmental impacts. ...................... 81
Figure 4-4: Time, Place, and Activities as major considerations
influence the qualitative performance, Old Matmata
villages in the south-east of Tunisia .................................... 83
Figure 4-5: The picture above shows semi-controlled outdoor
environment is required using courtyard in building............ 84
Figure 4-6: Common shapes of courtyard.............................................. 85
Figure 4-7: Style and look is determining factor in designing courtyard 86
Figure 4-8: Main concern for a courtyard is usually the view. ............... 87
Figure 4-9: Upgrade courtyard via performance issues. ......................... 87
Figure 4-10: Creativity in designing courtyard leads to unique and
attracting space then turn to place. ...................................... 88
Figure 4-11: Light of courtyards ............................................................. 90
Figure 4-12: Physical issues space, size and proportion in courtyard,
academic building............................................................... 91
Figure 4-13: Courtyard gives privacy for users in building ...................... 92
Figure 4-14: Privacy and secure in residential buildings due to using
courtyard ............................................................................ 93
Figure 4-15: Safety in courtyard is essential factor .................................. 94
Figure 4-16: Create a piece of paradise in your own outdoor space.......... 95
Figure 4-17: A View via intimate space by courtyard. ............................. 95
Figure 4-18: Obvious ways to create outdoor privacy screens. ................ 96

xvii
Figure 4-19: Inspiration from surrounding courtyard elements. ............... 96
Figure 4-20: Social issues in courtyard: privacy, safety, relaxing, a view
and inspiration, Ventana Canyon, Tucson, Arizona ............. 97
Figure 4-21: Designing culture center via applying the role of designing
courtyard ............................................................................ 98
Figure 4-22: Designing courtyard respecting the main role of designs ..... 98
Figure 4-23: Most important influences in dealing with Landscape
Architecture for courtyard .................................................. 99
Figure 4-24: Soft and hardscape as design tools for courtyard ............... 101
Chapter 5
Figure 5-1: Hardscape elements that used in design of courtyard
landscape ......................................................................... 105
Figure 5-2: What do we mean by “Pavement”..................................... 107
Figure 5-3: Major types of pavements. ................................................ 108
Figure 5-4: Accommodate intense use ................................................ 109
Figure 5-5: Provide direction. ............................................................. 110
Figure 5-6: A strong pavement pattern can direct and lead pedestrians
between adjoining spaces in an open space between
buildings .......................................................................... 110
Figure 5-7: A ribbon of pavement can be used to lead the eye and
provide direction between points in movement ................. 111
Figure 5-8: Provide direction; Newcastle, UK..................................... 111
Figure 5-9: Provide direction form of linear pavement influences
character movement ......................................................... 111
Figure 5-10: Rate and type of movement is affected by pavement ......... 112
Figure 5-11: Rhythm of movement can be influenced by the above
variables ........................................................................... 112
Figure 5-12: A non-directional area of approximately equal proportions
can provide a sense of repose............................................ 113
Figure 5-13: Indicate uses in the ground plane; Newcastle airport, UK.. 113
Figure 5-14: Change of movement in street and sidewalk is used to
indicate a hazard............................................................... 114
Figure 5-15: Different pavement materials are used to reinforce
particular functions of individual outdoor spaces .............. 114
Figure 5-16: Pavement pattern used to influence scale of outdoor spaces115
Figure 5-17: Creating smaller more intimate subspaces by choosing a
smaller pattern & texture while maintaining unity through
colors and other factors; Newcastle, UK ........................... 115
Figure 5-18: Introduce other patterns in larger areas to reduce apparent
huge scale & provide visual relief; Edinburgh, Scotland ... 115
Figure 5-19: Pavement pattern used to influence scale of outdoor spaces116
Figure 5-20: Pavement can be used to unify and coordinate elements in
outdoor spaces.................................................................. 116

xviii
Figure 5-21: Pavement pattern can influence movement or non-
movement in outdoor spaces ............................................. 117
Figure 5-22: Pavement pattern used to suggest primary direction
through an intersection ..................................................... 117
Figure 5-23: Background for other more important elements in the
landscape.......................................................................... 117
Figure 5-24: Blue Carpet Project in New Castle .................................... 118
Figure 5-25: Provide visual interest ...................................................... 118
Figure 5-26: One pavement material should dominate in design ............ 120
Figure 5-27: Expansion joints meet edge of pavement........................... 120
Figure 5-28: Pavement should be studied in perspective to help
emphasize a particular image ............................................ 121
Figure 5-29: Pavement material should be appropriate for intend use,
Courtyard in between academic uses, New Castle
University......................................................................... 121
Figure 5-30: Surface texture in open spaces design. .............................. 122
Figure 5-31: Recreational and shopping mall, Jerde's Fashion Island,
USA. ................................................................................ 123
Figure 5-32: Recreational and shopping mall, Jerde's Fashion Island,
USA ................................................................................. 123
Figure 5-33: Appearance using color, texture, lighting or pattern .......... 124
Figure 5-34: Laying concrete in an area marked out with planks, cement
being poured from wheelbarrow ....................................... 124
Figure 5-35: Disability and durability consideration. ............................. 125
Figure 5-36: Singapore-airport courtyard with new methods of flooring
materials........................................................................... 125
Figure 5-37: Time frame to finish flooring, stamped concrete in
courtyard .......................................................................... 126
Figure 5-38: Materials easy to maintain, stamped concrete .................... 127
Figure 5-39: Budget should be carefully calculated according to
courtyard function and features ......................................... 127
Chapter 6
Figure 6-1: New Castle University Campus plaza; planting design to
create intimate spaces for users, within composition with the
hard scape and furniture, 2016 ........................................... 131
Figure 6-2: Courtyard gardens do not have to cost a lot to set up ......... 132
Figure 6-3: Trees and palms as one of planting types .......................... 135
Figure 6-4: Palms type in nursery age ................................................. 135
Figure 6-5: Trees type in different ages ............................................... 136
Figure 6-6: Examples of shrubs........................................................... 137
Figure 6-7: Shrubs as one of the planting types, Bahrain National
Museum ........................................................................... 138
Figure 6-8: Shrubs species .................................................................. 138

xix
Figure 6-9: Ground cover as one of planting types, Bahrain National
Theater ............................................................................. 139
Figure 6-10: Ground cover species ....................................................... 139
Figure 6-11: Climbers species............................................................... 140
Figure 6-12: Grass species .................................................................... 141
Figure 6-13: Desert plant species .......................................................... 142
Figure 6-14: Herbs ............................................................................... 143
Figure 6-15: Large scale shade trees according to site location and
orientation ........................................................................ 144
Figure 6-16: Large tree functions as dominant element in a small
courtyard garden space ..................................................... 144
Figure 6-17: Trees play as fence ........................................................... 145
Figure 6-18: Ornamental tree used as a focal point in a plant
composition...................................................................... 145
Figure 6-19: Trunks of small trees act as foreground to focal point ....... 145
Figure 6-20: Ornamental trees act as accents for garden space and act as
tractors for entrance .......................................................... 146
Figure 6-21: Tall shrubs can function as builders and direct views to
desired points in designing courtyard ................................ 146
Figure 6-22: Owing to their relative height, tall shrubs act as accents
and fences ........................................................................ 147
Figure 6-23: Tall shrubs serve as a background to an accent in the
foreground ....................................................................... 147
Figure 6-24: Tall shrubs enclose space in vertical plants but allow a
view skywards.................................................................. 147
Figure 6-25: Medium shrubs in Sheikh Khalefa Park, Bahrain .............. 148
Figure 6-26: Shrubs in composition with different hard materials.......... 148
Figure 6-27: Low and mid height shrubs applicationin Sheikh Khalefa
Park, Bahrain ................................................................... 149
Figure 6-28: Gethsemane Lutheran Church Seattle, WA, USA ............. 149
Figure 6-29: Line between lawn and ground cover captivates the eye
and leads it around a space ............................................... 149
Figure 6-30: Lawn and ground cover captivates the eye within
courtyard .......................................................................... 149
Figure 6-31: Ground covering courtyard in composition with different
hard materials (University of Bahrain and Amwaj). .......... 150
Figure 6-32: Grass, as green carpet in composition with different
landscape elements ........................................................... 150
Figure 6-33: Composition between Ground cover varying form, value,
and size ............................................................................ 151
Figure 6-34: Using ground cover and shrubs to emphasize circulation .. 151
Figure 6-35: Ground cover as green carpet leads to shrubs green fence . 151
Figure 6-36: Plant material’s form in different shapes of shrubs had ..... 152

xx
Figure 6-37: Plant material’s form in different shapes of shrubs had
been used to emphasize building gates and to split function
between school courtyard and classes ............................... 152
Figure 6-38: Plant material’s form ........................................................ 152
Figure 6-39: Plant forms in different application ................................... 153
Figure 6-40: Dark foliage plants “Move Towards” viewer .................... 153
Figure 6-41: Light Foliage plants “Move Away” from viewer ............... 153
Figure 6-42: Plant colour effects ........................................................... 154
Figure 6-43: Effects of plant colour which reflect joy and happiness ....... 154
Figure 6-44: Plants colour as mass ........................................................ 154
Figure 6-45: Evergreen are too scattered & therefore visually break up
composition...................................................................... 155
Figure 6-46: Evergreen are clustered together to unify composition. ....... 155
Figure 6-47: Evergreen trees placed on northwest side of building to
block cold NW winter wind and Dust winds that come
from west direction........................................................... 156
Figure 6-48: Different species of deciduous trees create habits of
growth & appearances in the winter season ....................... 156
Figure 6-49: All deciduous planting has no visual weight and
“Disappears” in the winter seasons ................................... 156
Figure 6-50: All evergreen planning is too visually heavy and has no
seasonal variety ................................................................ 157
Figure 6-51: Planting composition should contain a combination of
deciduous and evergreen plants......................................... 157
Figure 6-52: Deciduous: trees that their leaves get colored during the
fall.................................................................................... 157
Figure 6-53: Texture in composition ..................................................... 158
Figure 6-54: Fine texture ...................................................................... 158
Figure 6-55: Plantation as solitary tree .................................................. 159
Figure 6-56: Coarse texture plant material “Love Toward” viewer while
fine textured ones “Move Away” ...................................... 159
Figure 6-57: Plants in composition within courtyards, Florida Mall,
USA ................................................................................. 161
Figure 6-58: A courtyard with variety of plants ..................................... 162
Chapter 7
Figure 7-1: Green wall benefits for buildings ...................................... 168
Figure 7-2: Ideas of using green wall within courtyard of commercial
complex ........................................................................... 169
Figure 7-3: Plant growing medium...................................................... 170
Figure 7-4: Plant growing medium...................................................... 170
Figure 7-5: Vertical drip irrigation system .......................................... 170
Figure 7-6: The best plant types to use for green walls ........................ 171
Figure 7-7: Maintenance ..................................................................... 172
Figure 7-8: Green walls installed and maintained ................................ 172

xxi
Figure 7-9: Attract unwanted pests, insects, and birds ......................... 173
Figure 7-10: Green mounds, a typical feature in the Al Maryah, feature
patches of plants of different colors and textures ............... 173
Chapter 8
Figure 8-1: Lounge chairs ................................................................... 178
Figure 8-2: Umbrellas add visual interest to a yard ............................. 178
Figure 8-3: Boston Tree pods, Solar shading devices .......................... 178
Figure8-4: Decorative gazebo within the middle of courtyard ............ 178
Figure 8-5: Wood work to cover walkways or part of the courtyards ... 179
Figure 8-6: Containers do not have soil to plant in .............................. 179
Figure 8-7: Planting beds .................................................................... 180
Figure 8-8: Large water feature........................................................... 181
Figure 8-9: Nature live for fish within water feature............................ 181
Figure 8-10: A beautiful lily pond......................................................... 181
Figure 8-11: Different shapes of swimming pools within residential
courtyard .......................................................................... 182
Figure 8-12: High-tech covers make space conversion easy .................. 182
Figure 8-13: Artificial lake composition with fountain and lighting ........ 183
Figure 8-14: fountains in courtyards ..................................................... 184
Figure 8-15: Animated exclusive fountains ........................................... 185
Figure 8-16: Falls River Square, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (2003).............. 185
Figure 8-17: Large fountain design layout ............................................ 187
Figure 8-18: Small fountain design layout ............................................ 188
Figure 8-19: Finishing materials of water features ................................ 189
Figure 8-20: Lighting for purpose of safety and security ....................... 190
Figure 8-21: Lighting for purpose of creating artistic scenes/Aesthetics 191
Figure 8-22: Hidden lighting for stairs and garden beds ........................ 191
Figure 8-23: Artificial lighting to enhance the courtyard life ................. 193
Figure 8-24: Super tree canopies provide shade, shelter and lighting ..... 194
Figure 8-25: Boston Tree pods lighting................................................. 195
Figure 8-26: Lighting types .................................................................. 197
Figure 8-27: Uplighting for directional viewing .................................... 197
Figure 8-28: Uplighting for 360° viewing ............................................. 198
Figure 8-29: Plants with a weeping character or other interesting shape 198
Figure 8-30: A combination of subtle downlighting .............................. 199
Figure 8-31: Moonlighting lighting effect ............................................. 199
Figure 8-32: Silhouette lighting ............................................................ 200
Figure 8-33: Spotlighting...................................................................... 200
Figure 8-34: Spread lighting ................................................................. 200
Figure 8-35: Path lighting ..................................................................... 201
Figure 8-36: Step and deck lighting ...................................................... 201
Figure 8-37: Wall lighting .................................................................... 201
Figure 8-38: Using lights to create shadows on walls or fences will add
drama and depth to your landscape ................................... 202

xxii
Figure 8-39: Outdoor stonework can be displayed at night using a
lighting technique called grazing ...................................... 202
Figure 8-40: Louvered step lighting sits on the face of the steps ............ 203
Figure 8-41: Louvered step lighting contributes to the ambience of this
patio, and also provides safe passage to the pool ............... 203
Figure 8-42: Simply placing a light on top of a column ......................... 204
Figure 8-43: Contrasting pavers ............................................................ 205

xxiii
Introduction
Introduction
a. Overview thousands of years in many parts
The open placeswithin
buildings identify the
functionality of the construction.
They control the circulation, sense
of comfort, ventilation, thermal
comfort, wind flow and other
indispensable characteristics of
buildings.Theyvary in scale,
volume and titles according to
their size, location and design
standard. A courtyard as an open
place is of significant role in terms
of maintaining the sense of
comfort among its users. It
identifies the functionality of a
building in physical respects;
lighting, ventilation, and thermal
comfort, social and economic
influences; as illustrated in the
book. As an open space within a
cluster or urban fabric, courtyard
performs various functions;
social, leisure and microclimate.
A courtyard is an outdoor
space yet encompassed by
edifices. Eloquently, it is a
circumscribed open area by a
construction. The term courtyard
consists of twomorphs 'court' and
'yard', which are derived from the
same etymological lexeme,
connoting abounded space. A
courtyard is an architectural
strategy; it has been applied for
of the world. Courtyards are
usually designated for social
gatherings such as; cooking,
working, playing, sleeping, or
even in some cases as animal
folds.
b. Emphasis of the Book
This booktacklesthe magnitude
of the dire need to the fringed
courtyards. Conceptualclarification
of both theoretical and empirical
terms in Environment-Behavior
and scientific studies are statutory,
to unearththe answer of the
aforementioned inquiry.
Moreover, the design of
courtyardsas Landscape
Architecture Element shall be
introduced attached to a brief
history of the development of the
courtyards all over the world, and
the functions of the courtyard in
consideration of the climate
impacts on its evolution. The
book equally highlights the
criteria of plant identification and
materials election, focusing on
theprinciples of interior planting
design.
Guidelines for site analysis will
be provided, tounderstand the
impacts of thesite context upon
the courtyard design through the
3
application of different design
categories.
c. The Goals of the Book
This book is tailored to
underscore the stipulated
sustainability precautions in social,
economic and environmental
respects. Furthermore, analyzing
design projects addresses the
savant readers in general and
students, in particular, who are
aware of the design process and
the devised tools to come up with
solution, to design a small
courtyard using disparate
expositions. The book aims at
i- Displaying knowledge and
understanding of the basic
theory of courtyard design.
ii- Exploring design languages
and landscape elements, to
create places for people to
live.
iii- Recognizing the manipulated
design tools, to realize the
functional aspect of the
courtyard; as a prime factor of
buildings.
iv- Enriching the basic knowledge
of hardscape and softscape
(plant and plant identification
and selection of planting’s
materials).
4
v- Enrichingthe basic knowledge
of other finishing materials'
selection and furnishings for
the landscaping of courtyards
vi- Understanding some principles
for allocation settings and
services in courtyard.
d. The Objectives of the
Book
By the end of the book, the
bibliophiles will:
i- Display knowledge and
recognize the courtyard design
and landscape Architecture.
ii- Be knowledgeable of the
history, typology,
characteristics, and function, of
the courtyard.
iii- Acquire courtyard design
skills.
iv- Explore design languages and
landscape elements, to create
places for people to live.
v- Develop creative approaches
for design development.
vi- Develop basic cognition of
planting design.
vii- Be aware of plant identification
and selection of planting’s
materials.
viii-Focus on interior planting;
Introduction
ix- Reflect people’s needs and
perception of designed
courtyards and landscapes.
x- Understand some principles of
allocation settings.
xi- Carry out some simple,
intensive, short projects, to
develop fundamental design
skills.
e. Achieving Sustainability • CH 2: Understanding Courtyard
and Courtyard Design in Buildings.
Seeking sustainable open place
design; designers must count for
the following:
i- Social conditions, common
aesthetic perspective and
cultural identity.
ii- Economic circumstances and
practical requirements.
iii- The surrounding environment.
f. The Contents
This book is designed beholding
sustainability factors; social,
economic and environmental
issues. It is preordained, to make
the facets of a sustainable courtyard
design intelligible.
Additionally, it aims at
analyzing design projects,
addressing savant readers in
general and students in particular,
and understanding the design
process, to figure out a design
solution for a small courtyard in
multifarious visualizations.
The book is sectioned into
eight chapters, to discuss the
following topics as follows:
• Introduction.
• CH 1: Open Spaces in
Buildings.
• CH 3: Historical Background of
Courtyards in Buildings.
• CH 4: Courtyard design
elements.
• CH 5: Pavements Amount to
Courtyards Design.
• CH 6: Softscape “Planting”
Design.
• CH 7: Wall Finishing in
Courtyard.
• CH 8: Space Furnishingsand
Services of Courtyard.
g. The Sequel of the Book
This book discusses the
importance of open spaces in
buildings in general and courtyard
in particular. It answers the
investigations the role of
courtyards in buildings. It
introduces the courtyard design as
a main element in design of
buildings attached to a brief
5
history of the courtyard
development all over the world
and the functions of the courtyard
in consideration of the climate
impacts on its evolution.
Thus, it illustrates the typology
of open spaces in buildings and
designing criteria for courtyards,
explaining the required conceptual
clarification of both theoretical
and empirical terms in
environment-behavior and
scientific studies, to find out the
answer to the above inquiry.
This book also sheds light on
the hardscape, softscape (plant
identification and selection of
plant materials), services and
furnishings of the courtyard in
details, focusing on the principles
of interior planting design.
Guidelines for analysis are
provided, to help and understand
the impacts of site context upon
courtyard design through the
application of different design
categories.
6
This book was designed to
cover the shortage of information
and to enhance designers’ way of
thinking. Also focus upon
people’s needs and the perception
of designed courtyards and
landscapes
The link between design open
spaces respecting Sustainability is
shown in this book through
presenting design principals and
basic elements used in sustainable
vision.
Finally, there is a need for a
new resource in the area of
designing the landscape
architecture of courtyard due the
scarcity of academic sources,
tackling the magnitude of the dire
need to the fringed courtyards.
The book considers the climate
impacts on design evolution.
Moreover, it equally highlights
the criteria of plant identification
and material selection, focusing
on the principles of interior
planting design.
1. Ch 1:

o pen Spaces in Buildings

Open Spaces in Buildings

1.1. Overview which is considered as an

This chapter scrutinizes the introduction for studying
marrow aspects essential, to courtyard in buildings. These
understand the concept of open aspects are exhibited as follows
spaces in buildings in general, (Fig. 1-1).

Figure 1-1: The boundaries of the outdoor places. (Author)

1.2. Open spaces in a- The social dimension: Human

designing buildings behavior and resources
Open space could be b- Economic conditions: Activities
circumscribed by an established and management strategies.
edifice or within a cluster of urban c- Environmental Framework:
fabric. The Arab terrain is of Available natural resources
discrepant social circumstances and their preservation. (El-
and climate condition. Thus, the Ghonaimy I. H., 2013)
girded open spaces (voids) inside 1.2.1. Definition of Open
buildings sustain; social, leisure Spaces in Buildings
and microclimate duties. These spaces attained their value
It is worth mentioning, that for their central location,
interior designers are of surrounded by arcades and
authoritative contribution in colonnades, pavements, landscaped
designing open spaces in buildings with water bodies, various plants,
in general and courtyards in shade and light, where all play an
particular, accounting for the important role in our social and
following axes; working life (Meir, 2000).

9

1.2.2. The Power of Open i- Transform pace to place;
Space Design creating places that meet
Open spaces have been
renowned; as a keynote to the tour
de force of any building design,
this is grounded on their diverse
functions. They do affect the
environmental factors acting on
the building; circulation, comfort,
ventilation, thermal comfort, wind
flow … etc. Withal, they vary in
location, size, scale and volume;
therefore, they vary in names
accordingly. Meinig (1979) states
that ‘Any landscape is composed
not only of what lies before our
eyes, but also what lies within our
heads’. (Meinig, 1979)
1.2.3. The Aim of Open Spaces
The major target of open spaces
within buildings is to:
Figure 1-2: D.S. nursery, Ibaragi,
Japan. (Sekkei, 2015)
10
Chapter 1
social, environmental, cultural,
and aesthetic and practical
requirements.
ii- Work on human interaction
within indoor open spaces and
the landscape
iii- Reduce the negative impacts
caused by the human practices
on nsensitive landscapes
iv- Contribute to the overall
concept and prepare an initial
master plan, from which
detailed designs can be
subsequently prepared.
v- The most valuable contribution
is often made at the preliminary
phase of a project in generating
ideas and bringing style and
creativity to the use of space.
(Figs. 1-2, 1-3)
Figure 1-3: Takeno nursery Kobe
city, Hyogo prefecture, Japan. (Suga,
2015)
Open Spaces in Buildings
Mostly open spaces in
buildings are directly proportional
to the social stratum of the named
building. Henceforth, courtyards
diverge in accordance with their
target; as follows:
• Private clients
• Private projects
• Smaller scale
• Not a profession
Consequently, open spaces
design in general is but echoes the
individualistic traits of the
designer. However, the elements
and principles of the design are the
means, by which the designer
measures the effectiveness and
success of a project. These
elements and principles determine
the structures and guidelines of the
design development. The elements
of a design are the tools utilized by
the designer, to fulfil the principles
of the design in a project. No
consensus exists within the design
world on the finite list of elements
and principles. Definitions and
understanding differ from one
1
These artists use line, form, texture, and
color to complete a composition
person to another. Most artists
incorporate the principles of
design into their projects.
However, some artists “break the
principles”. Experienced artists
who “break the principles” on
solid grounds are usually
successful.1
1.3. Principles of Open
Spaces Design
Interior designers must count
for Time and Place factors and
Activities in the very early phase
of the design, for these factors can
influence the qualitative
performance of the spaces, as a
foremost consideration. Since we
always underline the motto “We
design for people”, some
principles that meet human
expectations are illustrated herein
as basis of open spaces design.
a- Definition of space:
It illustrates the basic
influences and major stimulus
affecting the cosmos of the
place:
11
 Chapter 1
Table 1-1: Important influences and major powers on the nature of the place

Factor Description
i- Physical represents the maximum number of users for a certain
(location) period in a place without causing any damage to the
environment
ii- Environment Use a level which you can tolerate without causing any
(context) destruction to the environment
iii- Society and Represented by the habits and behaviours, that
Cognition characterize the users place (sociological psychological
(awareness approaches)
for users)
iv- Economic Accounts for the level of use and consumption of a
(Returns) place for material returns.
Source: the author

Figure 1-4: 62 Housing Units in the Mozart ZAC / TectonicsofArchitects;

Saint-Priest, France. (Sekkei, 2015)

Figure 1-5: Defining the space: rainbow-housing-project-by ark-house-

architects, Helsinki, Finland. (ARK-house Architects: Pentti Kareoja, 2012)

12
Open Spaces in Buildings
As for Tectonics, this project
represents a relatively recent
process of reflection and
production –of collective housing
in an urban landscape. The team is
competent of the theme of
habitats: accommodation for
elderly and/or dependent people;
tourist residences or private
residences.
The in-between spaces among
streets and homes are multiple
intermediate spaces. That is to say
that between the public and the
private areas, or the exterior and
the interior ones, there are large
numbers of spaces with different
privacy proportions, between the
collective housing and habitat.
Entrances, walkways,
galleries, balconies, terraces,
loggias and the garden are
transitional spaces with a
potential for exchanges between
neighbors. They are spacious,
with natural lighting. The two
high-ceiling entrance halls are
aligned on the commercial base,
and act as openings onto the
street. The platform above the
roofs of the commercial premises
is covered by a meadow scattered
with flowers, and is a shared
amenity.
b- The relation between the
open spaces and the contents
of buildings:
i- Visual relationship: in term of
its:
• Building style and
architecture feature
(finishing materials – style –
architecture laments shapes
and sizes)
• Visual connectivity or dis-
connectivity
ii- Functional relationship in
terms of its;
• Direct connection to
thebuilding (open space with
typical building function)
• Desolation from building
activities (open space with
different function) (Rafat,
1990). (Fig. 1-6)
c- Inspiring civic pride: It is
responsible for creating beauty
and diversity. Beauty and
delight in 'place' create a
virtuous circle. Enjoying
homestead is but the main
essence of feeling beauty and
retaining it (Fig. 1-7).
d- Coping with the mother
nature of the place. (Cosmos
of the environment): It is
concerned with responding to
an altering aura amidst the
challenging growing social,
13
 Chapter 1
political and economic issues canal. It is circular pool, which
concerning the environmental creates the end and the start of the
issues, and the changing focus on the architectural
potential effect. It is timelessly
composition of the area. The
ensured, that the sustainable
use of natural resources is the building site is located on the edge
mainstay of the design. of the built environment, from the
other side. It looks on to the almost
The building site is located in
untouched virgin landscape
Vuosaari, the very eastern suburb of
dominated by dark fire forest (Fig.
Helsinki in Finland. The site is
1-8).
characterized by its new artificial

Visual relationship: harmony and Functional relationship: design for the

integration between colour for the space is functionally integrated to
building and open space finishing emphasize main door
material
Figure 1-6: Relation between the open spaces and building contents. (Photos by
T. Al Rawaf)

Figure 1-7: Inspiring civic pride. Figure 1-8: Working with nature.
Source: ArchDaily 2008-2017: All images are © each office/photographer mentioned.

14
Open Spaces in Buildings
e- Taking the edge of the erection is achieved by
negative impacts caused by the reinforcing heritage and
human interferences in character with locally
sensitive landscapes. distinctive patterns of
f- Protecting our heritage: This development, landscape and
is quite concerned with the culture, combined with a
character and identity of a innovative perception of the
named place. This place- area (Fig. 1-9).

Figure 1-9: Protecting our heritage, Ain Azary, Bahrain. (Arab, September 27,
2014 )

g- Planning for prosperity: Budaia, as shown in the open

It is related to securing growth space between Aali Mall and
and regeneration rates right the dining restaurant, Block
there as in the farmer market in 338 (Fig. 1-10).

Figure 1-10: The open space between Aali Mall and the dining restaurant,
Block 338. (Photos had been taken by the author)

h- Perfecting details: Landscape and keep the average base of

architects are trained to users in mind. Subtle and
visualize the place in distinctive planting and the
abstraction, get it dissected, careful artisanship of materials

15

can boost the sense of place -
and a sense of kinship. They do
contribute to the overall
concept and prepare an initial
master plan, from which
detailed designs can
subsequently grounded on.
The most valuable contribution
is often made at the earliest
stage of a project in generating
ideas and bringing style and
creativity to the use of space.
(Fig. 1-11).
Figure 1-11: Contribute to the
overall concept.
1.4. Variables and landscape designers have to
Constants Factors of tolerate is misunderstanding the
Open Spaces Design role of the public. From non-
The affecting stimulus of a
named environment open spaces
16
Chapter 1
design; such as; courtyard is
divided into two branches, where
one is constant and its counterpart
is variable. These constant forces
are derived from the shape of the
preparation and the design of the
open spaces as aspects. These
constants differ according the
architects’ reasoning assessment
inclination for or divergence from
the costumes, traditions and norms.
It also may be due to the climate
different circumstances. It may be
extremely hot, dry, or humid.
Besides, that may be due to varying
the economic abilities and
distinguished transitions. Hence, all
are considered variables; yet, they
are of constant effect (Fig 1-12).
1.5. Landscape
Architecture and Open
Spaces
Open spaces design necessitates
planning a landscape for the space.
Understanding the term of
landscape Architecture is a priority.
There is a common belief
(misconception) that: “Landscape
is greenery”. One of the most
aggravating problems that
specialists’ view, the landscape
architect is somehow a
Open Spaces in Buildings
horticulturist or someone hired at
the end of a project, to make
shipshape, adding a few palms and
shrubs, but in fact, members of this
line of business are knowledgeable,
that landscape architect is a far cry
from that for its complexity.

Figure 1-12: Variables and Constants Factors in designing for open spaces.
(Author)

1.5.1. Definition of Landscape ecological footprint and the

Architecture environmental framework.
Defining landscape Architecture ”DastinHillery, senior
is illustrated as follows: associate, at Aedas*global
design
• “Landscape architecture is not
• Landscape architecture has the
just beautification; it’s about
power to change the way we live
creating a space, creating the
for the better, writes Kerry-Ann
ambiance of a development,
Augustin. (Augustin, 2016)
initiating lifestyle and it’s
• Another definition is “the Art
creating a new public realm and
and Practice of designing the
at the end of the day it’s also
Outdoor Environment,
about creating a quality built
especially designing parks or
environment.
gardens to Harmonize with
• And if you are talking about a
buildings and roads”; Oxford
quality built environment, you
dictionaries. (English, 2017)
cannot avoid talking about the

17

• Therefore, it could be said that
the art and science of arranging
land is, to adapt itconveniently,
economically, functionally, and
aesthetically to any of the varied
wants of people. Landscape
architecture addresses
ecological and human health
and wellbeing issues. (Author)
• Landscape Architecture
“involves the spatial
organization of outdoor places
to meet human needs and
desires while protecting or
enhancing natural
environments and process”
(Dee, 2014)
• Landscape architecture is a
branch of all built environment
design fields, which refers to the
manmade surroundings, that
provide the setting for human
activity, from the largest-scale
civic surroundings to the
smallest personal place’
(Schalk, 2014)
• Landscape Architecture
emphasizes stewardship: caring,
working for, defending the land,
thus, protecting nature,
preserving its resources, and
taking care of its animals and
2
Roberto Burle Marx was a Brazilian
landscape architect whose designs of
parks and gardens made him world
famous. He is accredited with having
18
Chapter 1
plants (fauna and flora), As well
as designing, arranging,
maintaining, protecting and
preserving open spaces at
private, urban, rural, regional
and state levels. (Wilson, 2006)
• “A garden is a complex of
aesthetic and plastic intentions;
and the plant is, to a landscape
artist, not only a plant - rare,
unusual, ordinary or doomed to
disappearance - but it is also a
colour, a shape, a volume or an
arabesque in itself’. (Marx,
1981)2
1.5.2. Open Space
Improvement Using
Landscape Architecture
Within your project you would
kindly postulate that; ‘Any
landscape is composed not only of
what lies before our eyes, but also
what lies within our heads’
(Meining, 1979) . Improving the
design of open space in building
such as courtyards, will require the
following:
a- Creating places that meet
social, environmental, cultural,
and aesthetic and practical
requirements.
introduced modernist landscape
architecture to Brazil. He was known as
a modern nature artist and a public
urban space designer.
Open Spaces in Buildings
b- Improving the ways in which
people interact with the
landscape
c- Reducing the negative
impacts, that human use has
upon sensitive landscapes
d- Contributing to the overall
concept, and prepare an initial
master plan, where detailed
designs can subsequently be
prepared.
The most valuable contribution
is often made in the earliest stage
of a project in generating ideas,
and posing styles and employing
creativity to the use of space.
Sequentially, the elements that
manage open space functions, to
improve the open space design
using landscape architecture are
illustrated in figure 1-13.

Figure 1-13: Improving the open space design in buildings using landscape
architecture. (Author)

1.5.3. Main Elements Used in Architecture projects come in

Open Spaces Design different forms; as follows:
The main elements used in open a- Softscape species vegetation
spaces design using landscape types with its performance

19

b- Hardscape materials (tiles,
colors, patterns, smart
material, light structure, …).
c- Design aspects and concept.
d- Social and economic issues.
Chapter 1
e- Environmental consideration.
f- Lifetime Aesthetic
g- Physical urban spaces and
Building conditions. (Fig. 1-14)

Figure 1-14: Design open space inside housing complex

Using the above main elements of Landscape Architecture; Vannkanten Siriskjaer
housing project in Stavanger, Norway (Griffiths, 13 May 2015)

1.6. Circumscribed Open meanwhile, accounting for social

Spaces Considerations and economic issues are
1.6.1. Achieving compelled. Courtyard in buildings
Sustainability and must be designed in the inhabitants’
Open spaces in advantage, to end up in gathering
Buildings Design communities; thriving and vibrant.
Green buildings bolster up erect Relatively, open spaces in
built environments, where they do buildings are private open spaces
comprehend stellar social, surrounded by walls or buildings.
environmental and economic Achieving and respecting
conditions. These are the three sustainability vision in open spaces
pillars of sustainability, for the in buildings design; designers must
notion is worth promotion, be attentive to the following issues:

20
Open Spaces in Buildings
a- Social, aesthetic and cultural
aspects: Meeting social needs.
Social sustainability relies on a
collaborative approach in
building and community
development. One that
involves all stakeholders,
reinforces social networks, and
Figure 1-15: Three pillars of sustainable to enhance quality of life. (writer in
Environmentalism, 2012)
b- Economic and practical
prerequisitesThese can be
discerned in work places; as in
working, cooking spots and
animal folds. It reduces the
exposure of walls to sunrays
and heat gain, lowering the
temperature inside such
buildings in terms of their
materials. Over and above, life
3
Assessing Green Building Performance.
A Post Occupancy Evaluation of 12 GSA
Buildings. Pacific Northwest National
allows people at every age and
ability to reside and participate
in their community throughout
their life. For instance, People
use these open areas as,
sleeping areas, playing,
gathering points, playgrounds,
etc. (Fig. 1-15).
cycle assessment identifies the
most appropriate product
choices. Sometimes, local
materials are not the ideal
environmentally adequate
choice; and it may be better to
import products of lower
extraction, processing and
disposal impacts.3
Laboratory;
www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/GSA_Assessi
ng_Green_Full_Report.pdf
21
Open Spaces in Buildings
Figure 1-16: Basic consideration that are followed in designing buildings
courtyard. (El-Ghonaimy I. , 2011)
c- Environmental aspect; for
example; courtyard provides
ventilation to inner rooms even
on the ground floor. Being sky-
roof areas, or is exposed to
natural sunlight to all parts of the
house; said by architect and
historian (Pandya Y. , 2011).
The objective of green design is
to create communities, where
people would strive to live and
work now and lead a life in the
future. There should be
preference to renewable and
recyclable materials that are
regionally harvested or
manufactured, and can be
installed and maintained by the
local labour force. Fortunately,
bestowed by the airflow and
shade, people would also use
these open areas; as sleeping and
of course as gardens. (Inc, 2013)
“Courtyard provides ventilation
to inner rooms even on the ground
22
floor. Open to the sky, it pours in
cheerful natural light to all parts of
the house,” says Architect and
Historian Yatin Pandya. (Pandya,
2011)
Courtyard homes are more
prevalent in high temperature
zones, as an open central court
can be an important stake to cool
houses throughout the warm
weather hours. However,
courtyard houses have been found
in tougher zones in terms of
climate for centuries. The
comforts offered by a
courtyard—air, light, privacy,
security, and tranquility—are
properties nearly universally
desired in human housing.
Courtyards offer ventilation, to
create a cool, breezy
environment. Warm air rises to
the top of the spaces, while cool
air from the indoor spaces is
pulled into the open area.
Open Spaces in Buildings

Openspaces Significance in Ventilation Process

Figure 1-17: Environmental as important factor in having open spaces in
achieving sustainability. (El-Ghonaimy I. , 2012)

23
 Chapter 1

Figure 1-18: The characters of courtyard in ventilation. (Palomas, 2014)

24
Open Spaces in Buildings
The main three phases are describes the characters of
presenting in figure 1-19 that courtyard in ventilation.

Phase 1:
Cool night air descends into
the courtyard and fills the
surrounding rooms, walls, floors,
roofs, and ceiling, which become
cooled and keep as is till the late
afternoon. Once the sun rises, the
courtyard loses its heat by
radiating it to the sky.

Phase 2:
Once the sun strikes the
courtyard around the noon, the
cool air starts to rise and leak out
of rooms through convections
with the outdoor temperature
rising, wall thickness and
materials prevent heat to
penetrate through walls.

Phase 3:
In the late afternoon, the
courtyard floor and the interior of
the house become warmer
allowing for convection and heat
exchange with cool interior air.

Figure 1-19: The main characters of ventilation in courtyard. (El-Ghonaimy I. ,

2010)

25
Open Spaces in Buildings
1.6.2. Courtyard Design is • Botany
“Art” and “Science” • Architecture
It is acknowledged that
1.7. Buildings Typology
architecture in general is the art and regarding Open Spaces
science of design, that could be
achieved using soft and hardscape a- Residential buildings
elements. Architecturally, these are i- Housing complex or
the visual and physical features that Compounds
make up a landscape design. These ii- Villas
features include line, form, texture, b- Hotels
and color that a landscape designer
c- Religion buildings
uses, to enhance the design
principles, which complete the art d- Academic:
and science of landscape design. i- Nursery
(Service, 2007). However, the ii- primary, preparatory, and
artists may or may not incorporate secondary schools
all the principles of design into one iii- colleges
composition. The same elements iv- Research centres.
and principles of design found in e- Office buildings
works of art also apply to landscape
f- Commercial buildings:
design using science. To apply the
i- Shopping centers
“Art” and “Science” philosophy in
ii- Shopping mall
open spaces in buildings design, we
have to consider the multi- g- Recreational buildings:
disciplinary field who are i- Cafeterias
incorporating the following ii- Restaurants
branches in work, multi- h- Public services buildings:
disciplinary specialists are: i- Sports club buildings
• Geography, &ecology ii- culture Centre, Cinema
• Environmental Psychology complex
• Horticulture iii- Art and cultural centres
• Industrial Design iv- Traffic terminal stations
• Geology & the earth sciences (train, bus …etc)
• The fine arts i- Health buildings:
i- Clinic
26
Open Spaces in Buildings
ii- Dentistry iv- Recovery centers
iii- Hospital j- Storage. (Figs. 1-20 to 1-23)

Moroccan, Hotel courtyard recreation zone

Figure 1-20: Incorporating the multi-disciplinary specialists in designing open
spaces in buildings. (Photo by the Author)

Socially insecure and privacy invading environment regarding its climate, and
economy as suitable place for production of goods are by virtue Arab countries. This
is the main issue in designing residential buildings using different open spaces
types, Hassan Fatehy, of Deraya, Saudi Arabia.
Figure 1-21: Open spaces in houses; Deraya city, Saudi Arabia: By Architect
Hassan Fatehy. (Tourism, 2016)

27
 Chapter 1

Shopping center, Jerde's Fashion Office buildings

Island, USA

Hamad Town school, Bahrain University of Pittsburgh’s Frick Fine

Arts Building

Religion buildings; Great Masjed of Restaurants and cafeteria

Kairouan

Royal Prince Alfred hospital; New Pacific Lutheran University

South Wales, Australia
Figure 1-22: Open spaces in different type of buildings.

28
Open Spaces in Buildings

Figure 1-23: Vivazz, Mieres Social Housing complex / Mieres, Spain, 2010.
(Angelini and Casino, 2013)

Points for Further Studies:

Points of discussions:
Definition.
History.
Types
Advantages.
Disadvantages.
Effect of open spaces in the
temperate climate.
Performance of open spaces in
buildings.
Some Examples of open spaces.
References.

29
2. Ch2:

U nderstanding Courtyard in Buildings

Understanding Courtyard in Buildings

2.1. Overview Open spaces in buildings

The demand and lionization of could be found in different types,
affixing courtyard spaces to shapes and formats; as follows;
residential zones is but a mere • Courtyard,
reflection of the emanating • Front yard,
hanker for outdoor spaces and a • Backyard,
seamless transition from indoors • Atrium,
to their outer complement. It has • Patio.
been since few years when,
architects have been latterly It is pretty visible, that
surveyed by the American outdoor spaces have been
Institute of Architects (AIA), favored amongst the Arab
where it has reported the notable countries for their exceeding urge
unquenchable thirst for more to open air areas. As for Muslim
outdoor living spaces. majority communities,
Henceforth, courtyards provide architecture has been
several advantages, among reinterpreted and readapted
which: houses in centuries, with some
modifications took place
• A framework within where cautiously. Thorough analysis
other types of landscape denotes, that, Islamic courtyard
layouts can be generated. houses are totally different from
• Achieving privacy and their Roman predecessors, and
secrecy. also exhibit strong variation
• They create microclimates for among themselves and are
various types of plants. distinct from one country (or
• Walls and privacy or outdoor sometimes from one city) to
screens can be created with another, which again
various types of plants or demonstrates better adaptation to
constructed of trellis-type or local conditions. (Figs. 2-1, 2-2)
permanent building materials.
(Taylor, 2014)

33
 Chapter 2

Figure 2-1: Shapes of open spaces types in buildings. (Shure, 2011)

Figure 2-2: Different open spaces types in houses; Courtyard, Frontyard,

Backyard, Deraya city, Saudi Arabia. By Architect Hassan Fatehy. (Tourism,
2016)

As elucidated in chapter one spaces are either espied internally

these forms could be detected in
buildings in one type and could
be found in two or more. Each
type has different unique form
and function, which will be
explained in this chapter.
In terms of building
typologies and utilizations, open
or externally. Internal open
spaces (courtyard) or external
open spaces (front, back, and side
yard) in buildings could be found
within different building
typologies; in the form of private
and public buildings. (Fig. 2-3)

34
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings

Figure 2-3: Types and uses, Eco-courtyard of city- a green corridor in Taipei -
city open spaces in buildings. (Lin, 2017)

In this chapter, the following ancient courtyards in Arab

major topics will be discussed in countries have a clear indication,
detail to understand types of open that the design variables of
spaces in buildings. courtyard have been designed
and improved by the integration
2.2. Definition of Courtyard
of social, cultural and
in Buildings
environmental factors.
It is a common term referent (Reynolds, 2002). (Fig. 2-4)
to void or open space within
residential build up areas. In the
tropic areas, the concept of
“courtyard” or “courtyard patio”
form. It is a loaned from the
western countries rather than
adapting and applying original
and traditional concepts into
modern courtyards, making the Figure 2-4: The courtyard of Al-
Azem Palace in Hama. (Alabidin,
basic form, such as the doughnut 2014)
shape, which is dominant
courtyard form in many Asian Design adjustments; area,
countries. In addition, many number of floors, orientation,

35
 Chapter 2
exposure, wall types, etc were from the same root, meaning
introduced to achieve successful an enclosed space. (Fig. 2-5)
oriented courtyard that respond d- A courtyard is a common
to the human needs (Reynolds, architectural feature that has
2002). been applied for thousands of
There is a vast number of years in many parts of the
definitions of courtyards, where world particularly in houses.
some will be presented as Courtyards were often:
follows:
a- Courtyard is a building
element that originated from
the hot and dry regions
(Edwards B., Sibley M.,
Hakmi M., Land P., 2006).
b- It can be defined as an
Figure 2-5: Courtyard with a pool in
enclosed area surrounded by a Marrakech, Morocco.
building or wall and open to (Taylor, 2014)
the sky. The use of
The primary meeting places
inappropriate courtyard forms
for specific purposes including
of some regions, such as the
gardening, cooking, working,
basic form of a courtyard in
playing, sleeping, or even in
the center of the plot does not
some cases as places to keep
perform well in the harsh
animals (Edwards et al.,
climates of another region.
2006).
(Almhafdy, A., Ibrahim, N.,
Ahmad, S. Sh., Yahya, J., e- Anon defines courtyard; as an
2013) open or close space,
surrounded by 2, 3 or 4 walls,
c- Courtyards in public buildings
homing trees and bounded
have been meeting places in
greenery, where residents
the first place for some
gather and perform some
purposes, leading to the other
activities. It can include a
explications of court. Both of
reservoir. It is usually located
the words court and yard are

36
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings
in the entrance or in middle of
house. (Anon., 2011).
f- Courtyards are enclosed
outdoor spaces but are
normally open to the elements
at their top. Courtyards do not
signify a named historical era,
but of persistent existence.
(Anon., 2011)
g- Courtyard ensures secrecy and
privacy, even if is allocated in
the center of a house.
Courtyard or courtyard patio
is directly adjacent to the
house. It can also be an
intimate enclosure situated
within a larger yard or garden.
Some courtyards serve as
enclosed entryways to a
house. (Taylor, September 30,
2015.) (Fig. 2-6)
Figure 2-6: Courtyard provides
seclusion and privacy. (Taylor, 2015)
h- Taylor said that “Space you
walk through just might be a
courtyard”. (Taylor, September
30, 2015.) (Fig. 2-7)
Figure 2-7: Space you walk through.
(Taylor, 2015)
i- Historically speaking, some of
the oldest patios are
courtyards.
2.3. Sustainable Purpose of
Fining Courtyard in
Buildings
Architects investigate the
know-how, where courtyards can
play a role in the development of
residential units and zones
nowadays. As an open space
within a cluster of urban fabric,
courtyards fulfill various
functions; social, leisure and
microclimate ones. The central
location of these spaces a space
within the urban fabric or
building gives it substance.
Surrounded by arcades and
colonnades, paved, landscaped
with water bodies, various plants,
shade and light, they all played
an important role in our social
and working life (Meir, 2000).
37

2.3.1. Social outdoors. (Taylor, September
i- They are reckoned; as other
rooms of the house for
courtyards are sky-roofed
spaces that have been
redefined, to suit
homeowners’ lifestyle and
aspirations.
ii- Other subsidiary factors do
contribute to serve the same
end; hot tubs or small pools -
like plunge pools or swim
spas --that offer convenient
access and privacy.
iii- Modern courtyards in houses
are to secure the residents’
privacy.
iv- Courtyards are quite patent by
virtue of its central location
amongst the residential units,
where homeowners feel it as
one more room attached to
their houses.
v- As cities and suburbs become
much more cramped, plotting
a large pleasant yard
ensuring privacy has been a
bygone dream. A courtyard
allows all the pleasures and
conveniences of a backyard -
- along with convenience --
for homeowners who like to
entertain at home and
38
Chapter 2
30, 2015.)
vi- In overpopulated areas,
courtyards became the
privacy saviour of the
family.
vii- Slacking of the frantic daily
hustling and bustling life
and safeguard their children
from the escalating danger
of the city.
viii- With space at a premium,
architects are experimenting
with courtyards as a way to
provide outdoor space for
small communities of people
at a time.
2.3.2. Economical
i- Some people have houses with
outdoor kitchens, fire pits or
fireplaces, and outdoor living
room furnishings.
ii- Others do have doors or
windows can be opened up to
outer space, moulding
indoor/outdoor feeling. With
simple push-button
technology, a homeowner can
save themselves squandering
fortunes affording for large
glass doors to access the
courtyard of their house.
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings
2.3.3. Environmental v- In addition, the courtyard was
i- Certain investigations in the developed to be climate
design form concept of responsive. Furthermore,
courtyard have been carried courtyard can be utilized as an
out. It is clearly noticed, that appropriate place for
the design form can be played; promoting natural,
as a microclimate modifier to ameliorating environment.
the environment. (Fig. 2-9)

ii- Some courtyards are open-air

entertainment centers.
iii-Courtyard as a space can
provide climatic as well as
visual or acoustic protection.
iv- The courtyard geometry as
well as its material makeup
should be decided upon in the
design phase in order to
Figure 2-8: Courtyard provides the
provide the highest level of highest level of thermal comfort
thermal comfort possible possible. (Meir, 2000)
(Meir, 2000). (Fig. 2-8)

Figure 2-9: Design courtyard can be played as a microclimate modifier to the

environment. (Aldawoud, A., Clark, R, Dec 2008)

39

vi- Many researchers have
examined the effect of the
typical rectangular courtyard
form in hot or temperate
climate on the environmental
performance. Aldawoud and
Clark (2008) and (Tablada, A.,
Blocken, B., Carmeliet, J., De
Troyer, F., & Verschure, H. ,
Figure 2-10: Málaga Museum / Pardo Tapia Arquitectos, Spain. (Quintana,
2015)
40
Chapter 2
2006) Tablada et. Al. (2006),
have recommended protection
of the surface form and its
surroundings from the intense
solar radiation and hot dusty
wind as well as cross
ventilation concept, which
have a sound impact on
thermal comfort. (Fig. 2-10)
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings
vii-According to (Rust, 2010),
architects could add the
ameliorating components of
nature in courtyards within
the building footprint, along
with windows at the end of
corridors, to allow natural
light to filter through to the
public and private areas.
Shade, water, trees and
flowers, wind, pavement, and
colors could induce positive
effects on the five senses of
the human body. (Fig. 2-11)

Figure 2-11: Cultural House of Pinhel / depA Architects, Spain.

(depAArchitects, 2015)

2.4. Main Functions of churches utilized atriums or

Courtyard courtyards; as a covered, open
2.4.1. Domestic Functions space in the building facade.
Kitchen, work and public places
The first generation of atriums
were located on the ground floor
was described as covered spaces
with private rooms located
but the evolving smug discoloured
upstairs. These courtyards served
the ceiling. Later, the roof was
as a central space to keep the
eliminated, leaving an open-air
flames non-extinguished. Atriums
room. Early medieval Christian

41
 Chapter 2
were used in as much the same developed. They also grant
way. (Fig. 2-12) privacy and secrecy. The main
role of the transition in the entry
2.4.2. Achieving Privacy and
Secrecy sequence is to warrant the
privacy of the building itself.
Courtyards are of several
This space can create
advantages, regarding the
microclimates for various types
framework within which other
of plants.
types of landscape layouts can be

A Chinese courtyard in Beijing Courtyard in city palace, udaipur

Figure 2-12: Domestic functions of courtyard. (Baltimore, 2010)

An outdoor screen or privacy nest in the vines. Children must

wall is similar in function to a enjoy the mother nature of their
fence, though it does not have to living place and have fun.
be attached to anything and the (Reynolds, 2002)
materials used are yet variable,
2.4.4. Sustaining Circulation
such as vinyl, outdoor fabric,
plastic mesh, or shrubs, vines or As the courtyard serves as the
trees planted together for privacy. center of orientation within a
building, so it is natural to say
2.4.3. Ensuring High Security that it plays an important role in
Procedures for Family providing circulation. As arcades
Gatherings
and rooms surround this space, it
Children must enjoy the
Acts as the point of
sunbeam and see nature in its
intersection of these areas. In
true colors; cater for their pets,
addition, the stairs (the vertical
watch out the birds building their
circulation to the upper floors)
42
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings
are set to be within the courtyard, such as U, L, T or Y (Das, 2006;
while the landing serves as a Reynolds, 2002).
balcony or a stage. In addition, the design form of
2.4.5. Performing Common courtyard can be fully enclosed
Activities (four sided), semi-enclosed
The common activities (triadic) or in some cases even
performed within the courtyard dyadic (Meir, I.A., Pearlmutter,
are mainly mirroring those done D., & Etzion, Y., 1995). The
the kitchen or living room or courtyard form has been applied
even the dining room activities. in multistory housing as well.

2.4.6. Enforcing Nature into Meir, et. al. (1995) studied the
the House effect of triadic courtyard on the
It serves as a planting area for microclimate. The courtyard has
various types of plants, shrubs created better microclimatic
and trees. Thus, it enforces nature condition; particularly when
inside the house, a landscape and some variables are taken into
a shaded area. This typical type consideration such as the
of courtyards provides a soft and orientation, attach volume and
hard floor surfaces. ventilation. (Muhaisen, A.S. &
Gadi, M.B., 2006) studied the
2.5. Courtyard effect of a rectangular courtyard
Configuration proportion (ratios and heights) at
A courtyard does not have a four different climatic locations.
fixed plan. Although the basic The simulation study explored
plan of a residential courtyard is the relationship between the
usually rectangular or squared, it courtyard form and shading
can also be circular or performance and sun location
curvilinear. Throughout history, and exposure. The optimum
this basic plan of the courtyard courtyard height is to obtain a
has been modified to meet many sensible effect in summer and
environmental aspects; such as winter was found to be three
topography, site restriction, storehouses in hot humid climate,
building orientation and function, double storey in hot dry and
to create new shapes of courtyard temperate climate and one storey
in cold climate. Hence, higher
43

walls should surround courtyards
in hotter climates and courtyards,
in colder climates lower ones are
preferred.
Muhaisen & Gadi (2006)
found out, that the deep courtyard
form produced more internal
shadow in summer, while shallow
form performed better in winter.
The study has recommended that
an annual calculating ratio should
be conducted. However, during
the daylight, this solution is not
favourable.
The potential of courtyards
with less exposure to the open air
is quite (narrow), to act as
passive cooling, which can be
correlated with a building
composition in terms of airflow
rate and pattern in warm humid
climates. The microclimate
condition could be improved
through naturally ventilated high
mass residential buildings with
internal courtyards (Rajapaksha,
Nagai & Okumiya, 2003)
On the other hand, Muhaisen
& Gadi (2006) studied the
polygonal courtyard forms (non
typical form) and their shading
performance, to develop a
shading calculation tool for
courtyards. The study revealed
44
Chapter 2
that the courtyard geometry and
proportions have a significant
influence on the realized shading
on the internal surface.
The projection of the sunrays
angle in the sky and the geometry
of the courtyard can affect the
shading condition within the
courtyard. However, the research
demonstrated a computer-based
mathematical model, but did not
cover all the multi-sided
courtyards. (Almhafdy et al.,
2013)
2.5.1. Types of Courtyards
There are many kinds of ways
to engineer courtyards, and each
of them can be used in different
type of houses, but it must be
professionally executed, for an
astounding success. Courtyards
are one of my favorite things to
put into my own house design,
and I hope that more courtyards
can find their way into more
architectural designs in the
future.
a- Elevated courtyard:
The area with walkways and
plants in the middle is separated
from the street by a set of stairs.
This gives the area a feel of being
secluded from the street even
though it is only enclosed on two
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings
sides. This example shows that
levels and stairs will create the
look and feel of a courtyard for
buildings that do not have the
space or just not the design idea
to have a fully enclosed
courtyard. (Fig. 2.13)
Figure 2-13: Elevated courtyard.
(Photos by Derek Swalwell)
b- Mostly enclosed courtyard:
In this design, they used two
sides, to enclose and give a
feeling of secrecy and then used
the third open side to keep the
courtyard open. This shows how
partially enclosed courtyards can
be used instead of fully enclosed.
Whenever most people think of a
courtyard, they probably think of
the old style of fully enclosed
courtyards such as a building
with a wall that is fully around
the planted courtyard. This
design can be used as I will show
in the next section, but more and
more modern homes are having
partially enclosed courtyards
with at least one open side like
the one above. (Fig. 2-14)
Figure 2-14: Mostly enclosed
courtyard, Belfast Residence.
(IwamotoScott Architecture)
c- Enclosed with a fence
courtyard:
In this area a busy part of a
neighborhood, though with the
plants and fence, they effectively
make this courtyard feel
secluded and private. This shows
that even though it is next to a
busy house, you do not need the
house too fully enclose the
courtyard, to make it feel
private. In addition, it uses no
windows to make the house feel
separated from the courtyard but
still close. (Fig. 2-15)
d- Fully enclosed by a building:
This courtyard is a fully
enclosed courtyard and is
surrounded on all four sides by
its house. This is a kind of
courtyard that is becoming rarer
45

as more houses take on the first 3
styles. This type can only be
surrounded by certain kinds of
houses. The best houses to use
generally shouldn't have roofs
and should be more or less the
same level of house everywhere.
If used right, these courtyards
can be very interesting. (Fig.
2.16)
Figure 2-15: Enclosed with a fence
courtyard. (by FGY Architects)
Figure 2-16: Fully enclosed by a
building. (by Kendle Design
Collaborative)
46
Chapter 2
2.5.2. Courtyard Orientation
In many cases, orientation of
courtyard depends on the
building layout. Variables that
can positively affect the
microclimate condition within
the courtyard are sun location,
wind direction, shading
performance and solar gain
(Bagneid, 2006).
The orientation has also direct
effect with the ventilation or
wind speed. For instance, Meir,
et. al. (1995) has concluded that
the correct orientation of
courtyard can improve their
thermal comfort; however,
orienting them irrespective of
solar angles and wind direction
may create thermal discomfort.
(Almhafdy et al., 2013)
2.5.3. Designing Courtyard:
The design variants of
courtyards, i.e. its:
• shape,
• size,
• details of the enclosing
walls.
Moreover, details of the
enclosing walls of a courtyard
varied among regions and
functions. Moreover, the
differences are influenced by the:
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings
• social,
• cultural
• economic,
• environmental conditions.
Although the overall design
remains similar, the variants of
the design are influenced by
functions and location (Meir,
2000).
a- Wall enclosure:
Wall enclosure refers to all
components that form the
courtyard within the building and
separate it semi-enclosed
conditioned space and fully
closed condition space.
Courtyard wall enclosure
components such as walls, doors
and windows need to be
considered during the design
stage.
Wall enclosure can play an
important role in the
microclimate condition of the
courtyard through natural
ventilation techniques. Wall
enclosure can be manipulated by
opening or closing of the
apertures and by changing the
window to wall ratio. (Al-
Hemiddi, N. A., & Megren, A.-S.
K. A., 2001), investigated the
effect of a ventilated interior
courtyard on the thermal
performance of a house in two
situations. One with all exterior
and interior windows (without
ventilation) closed and the other
with all apertures opened. The
results show insignificant cooling
when all windows are closed.
However, there was a significant
cooling effect through the
courtyard via natural ventilation
when all windows were opened.
Aldawoud and Clark (2008)
had attempted to investigate the
thermal behavior of courtyard
buildings under different design
conditions of glazing type and
window to wall ratio. The
courtyard wall enclosure
materials (Sadafi, N., Salleh, E.,
Haw, L.C., & Jaafar, Z., 2011),
colors and shading devices
(Wang, L., Yang, Z., & Yang, L.,
22-24 April 2011) are other
options to look into when trying
to improve the microclimate
condition of the courtyard and
the surrounding spaces.
(Almhafdy et al., 2013)
b- Natural elements within
courtyards:
Placing natural elements
within a courtyard would
produce environmental benefits.
For instance, (Safarzadeh H.,
47

Bahadori M. N. , January 2005)
found that trees, shrubs and
flower plants (as a garden
elements) within a courtyard can
significantly affect the thermal
comfort as they provide shaded
area with the wall of the
courtyard.
Al-Hemiddi & Megren (2001)
studied the effect of using water
body (pond) and water spray
within the courtyard on the
thermal performance with
control tent above the courtyard.
(Fig. 2-17)
Figure 2-17: Alvar-aalto-museum-
central-finland-competition-silmu-
finnish-architects_dezeen_sq-540x540.
It was found that the internal
courtyard with a pool, tent and
water spray during sunny hours
provided significant cooling
effect for the internal spaces
surrounding the courtyard.
(Almhafdy et al., 2013)
48
Chapter 2
c- Courtyard and climates
basics:
Courtyard homes have been
designed and built throughout the
world with many variations. Also,
are more prevalent in temperate
climates, as an open central court
can be an important aid to cooling
house in warm weather. A
courtyard is also an open-air
space. It typically offers little to
no cover from the elements. In
many cases, housing complexes,
condominiums and apartment
buildings utilize courtyards to
create a shared, common, outdoor
space. Courtyards offer
ventilation to create a cool, breezy
environment. Warm air rises to
the top of the space, while cool air
from the indoor spaces is pulled
into the open area. (Maie &
Media, 2012)
d- Design Elements
Buildings and homes are built
up around an outdoor area, which
is then outfitted with:
• Benches,
• Paved areas,
• Plants,
• Lighting,
• Other elements, to create
an aesthetically pleasing
and functional design. (Fig.
2-18)
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings
Figure 2-18: Design elements for
courtyard (by MANI & Co).
2.5.4. Rethinking the convenient access and privacy.
Courtyard
Viewed as another room of the
house, a courtyard is an open-
Figure 2-19: Rethinking the courtyard. (Lin, 2017)
Modern courtyards in houses
are all about privacy. Everyone
seems to love the idea of an
outdoor room. A courtyard
makes this room extremely close
for its homeowners or occupants
and almost unavoidable, since it
is often located in the center of
the house.
roofed space that has been
redefined to fit a homeowner's
lifestyle and desires. Some
courtyards are open-air
entertainment.\ centers, while
others house outdoor kitchens,
fire pits or fireplaces, and
outdoor living room furnishings.
Still, others feature hot tubs or
small pools --- like plunge pools
or swim spas -- that offer
(Fig. 2-19)
Doors or windows can access
other parts of the house,
moulding an indoor/outdoor
feeling. With simple push-button
technology, a homeowner can
save themselves squandering a
fortune to afford large glass, to
open up and access the courtyard
of his or her house.
49

As cities and suburbs become
congested, giving no floor for a
large plot to be executed, a large
yard with privacy is a bygone
dream. A courtyard allows all the
pleasures and conveniences of a
backyard along with convenience
for homeowners who like to
entertain at home and outdoors.
(Taylor, 2014)
2.5.5. Demand and popularity areas as dormitory areas, work
of adding a courtyard places, playgrounds and of course,
in buildings
The demand and popularity of
adding a courtyard space to a
residence correlates to the
increasing desire for outdoor
rooms and a seamless transition
from indoors to out. In recent
years, architects surveyed by the
American Institute of Architects
(AIA) have reported increases in
Chapter 2
clients requesting more outdoor
living spaces Courtyards do not
belong to one specific period of
history. It seems that they have
always been around.
These courtyards were often
used as areas for cooking, as they
provided a large space for an open
fire and a bigger area to get rid of
smug. People would also use the
as gardens. These courtyards were
inspired by the open plan central
area, which had often been used as
gathering points & cooking areas.
Some of the most famous
examples of the earliest courtyards
in history include The Court of
Lions in Andalusia and the
Mosque of Uqba in Tunisia’s city
of Kairouan. (Figs. 2-20 to 2-24)

Figure 2-20: Demand and popularity of adding a courtyard in buildings.

(Gonzalez, 2017)

50
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings

Figure 2-21: Wide courtyard surrounded by arched porticoes in the Great

Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia. (Andrew Watson - Flickr: The Great Mosque,
2012)

Figure 2-22: The Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia.

(Muhammad, 2008 )

51
 Chapter 2

Figure 2-23: Courtyard tents; outdoor living spaces. (Architects, 2015)

Figure 2-24: Courtyard nightscape; outdoor living spaces. (Daniel, 2013)

52
Understanding Courtyard in Buildings

Points for Further Studies:

Searching about:
a. Types of courtyard in buildings
according to the following points.
b. Defining courtyard according to
building function and type.
c. Present the main function of
Courtyard in such buildings.
d. Courtyard configuration.
e. Designing courtyard.
f. Demand and popularity of adding
a courtyard in buildings.

53
3. Ch3:

H istorical Background of

Courtyards in Buildings
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings
3.1. Overview This chapter enlists brief
The idea of encompassed
courtyard was substantial in the
Middle East, where it goes back to
BCE. The Arab world from East;
the gulf countries; to West;
Morocco; inherited this legacy.
Yet, courtyards swept over
Europe in the 17th century and
again in the 19th century. It is
private open space encompassed
by walls or residential edifices.
These courtyards are not a novice
architectural innovation but
persisted throughout history.
Courtyards have been an
integral component of dwelling
typology from the cradle of
human civilizations, for it
appeared in the Indus Valley,
Egypt, Mesopotamia and China.
Residential units or houses in
those eras were characterized by
their depth and length compact
with three edges shared with
adjoining homes. This
arrangement allowed optimal use
of land and high accommodation
capacity, though it blockaded the
inner spaces off light and
ventilation. As a result, internal
courtyards came to be adopted as
an inherent dimension to house
typology. (Pandya, Mon, 31 Oct
2011)
examples for courtyards in
different parts of the world to
present location, functions,
characteristics and the advantages
of using courtyard in this building
and at the end of the chapter
findings will be summarized.
3.1.1. A Historical Synopsis
As aforementioned, a
courtyard or court is an enclosed
area, often encompassed by an
edifice or sky-roofed urban
clusters. Such spaces in public
buildings were designated as
meeting places in the first place.
Both of the words court and yard
are derived from the same morph,
meaning an enclosed space.
Historically speaking, some of
the oldest patios are courtyards.
Location-wise, a courtyard or
courtyard patio is in the center of
or directly adjacent to the house.
It can also be an intimate
enclosure situated within a larger
yard or garden. Some courtyards
serve as an enclosed entryway to a
house. (Taylor, September 30,
2015.)
The history of these open
spaces is as old as ancient
“Sumeria”, and so houses with
courtyards, where used for
57

housing all over the Middle East
long time ago. You can also find
them in China, rural Japan,
Europe, Africa and America.
(Taylor, September 30, 2015.)
(Fig. 3-1)
Figure 3-1: Courtyard, Pocatello
(Jeffrey G. Backes, 17 August 2013.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_Hal
l_Replica,_Courtyard,_Pocatello_ID.jpeg)
Historically speaking, many
grand estates had courtyards
within their home as well as
courtyard gardens within their
grounds. Some ruined stately
homes have even been restored as
courtyard gardens, which is a
wonderful way to restore homes
that once homed them inside the
building. The first courtyards date
right back to the start of house
construction. (Fig. 3-2)
58
Chapter 3
Figure 3-2: Courtyard in a cloister.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:
cloister_ID.jpeg)
3.1.2. Pre-courtyard Era
Before courtyards, fireplaces
were left inflamed in a central
place within a home, with only a
small hole in the ceiling overhead,
to get rid of smug. Over time,
these small openings were
enlarged and eventually led to the
development of the centralized
open courtyard we know today.
Courtyard homes have been
designed and built all over the
world in various manifestations.
Courtyard homes are more
prevalent in temperate climates, as
an open central court can be an
important aid to cool houses in
hot weather. However, courtyard
houses have been found in
tougher climates as well for
centuries. The comforts offered by
a courtyard are properties nearly
universally desired in human
housing as:
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings
• Fresh air
• Daylighting
• Privacy
• Security
• Tranquility
3.1.3. Courtyards Former animals. Courtyards as private
Ages
These courtyards were often
used as cooking areas, as they
provided a large space for an open
Figure 3-3: Courtyard in housing,
Austria. (blogspot, 2008)
From a historical perspective,
the main function of courtyard is
briefed as follows:
i- Economic-speaking;
courtyards have existed for
centuries. They have been
used to wall in animals and
corral crops, protect homes
and secure their inhabitants.
The walls of these outdoor
rooms have been and would
always be used, to support
climbing, trailing and
fireplace to get rid of the evolving
smug. In hot weather countries,
courtyards have historically been
used for many purposes including
cooking, sleeping, working or
playing, gardening, and keeping
circumscribed open spaces —
have been in use amongst
residential architectural units.
(Figs. 3-3, 3-4)
Figure 3-4: Courtyard in the
Munich Residenz, Bavaria. (Alamy,
2012)
espaliered shrubs, trees and
vines
ii- Social-wise; courtyards have
historically been used for
many purposes including
cooking, sleeping, working,
playing, gardening, and even
places to keep animals. Before
courtyards, open fires were
kept inflaming in a central
spot within a home, with only
a small hole in the ceiling
overhead for smug to evolve.
59
 Chapter 3
Over time, these small used at monasteries, with
openings were enlarged and monks' rooms conjoined to the
eventually developed to be the central, open courtyard.
courtyard we experience iii- Environmentally, courtyard
nowadays. homes became more prevalent
Formerly, in ancient Rome, in temperate climates; as an
courtyards or atriums were open central court can be an
built as part of single- and important aid to cooling house
multi-family homes, as well as in hot weather. However,
market places and courtyard houses have been
governmental offices. During found in tough climates for
the Medieval Era and centuries. (Anon., 2011) (Figs.
Renaissance, courtyards were 3-5, 3-6)

Figure 3-5: Courtyard at Morocco Figure 3-6: Courtyard at Spain,

houses is basic space (past and present). within Islamic period in Khalefa
(Anon., July 2014) Palace was basic space. (Anon., 2009)

In conclusion, the comforts first appearance in 6400–6000

offered by a courtyard; BC (calibrated), in the
ventilation, lighting, privacy, NeolithicYarmukian site at
security, and tranquility—are Sha'arHaGolan, in the central
properties nearly universally Jordan Valley, in the northern
required in human housing. bank of the Yarmouk River,
giving the site a special
3.2. The Jordanian Model
significance in the architectural
(6400-6000 BC)
history. (Garfinkel, 1993) (Fig.
The courtyard house made its 3-7)

60
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings

Figure 3-7: Excavated dwellings at Skara Brae (Orkney, Scotland), Europe's

most complete Neolithic village. (Burka, 24 August 2002)

3.3. The Indian Model planning was well established at

(6500-6000 BC) Harappa at a very early phase,
Courtyard houses in India KotDiji (prior to 2600 BC). The
made its first appearance probably basic overall layout of the
around 6500-6000 BC; as evident settlements is distinguished for
in the earliest village of the orientation of the streets to
Mehergarh (6500-6000 BC). The cardinal points. (Sanjeev
settlement is constructed by Maheswari, Raajiv Garg, 2001).
irregularly scattered mud brick (Fig. 3-8)
houses. The idea of settlement

Figure 3-8: Courtyard house in Indus Valley Civilization. (News, May 28, 2015,)

Most private houses had rooms courtyard. Doors and windows

stitched around a central look on to the side lanes. Stairs

61

led up to the roof or the second
storey. Windows had shutters and
latticework.
Sir John Marshall describes the
courtyard houses as follows: “To
the right of the porter’s lodge a
short passage led to the central
courtyard of the house, which was
open to the sky and provided light
and air to the rooms grouped
Figure 3-9: Courtyard house in India; in 18th century. (Myneni, 2013)
“Architecturally a courtyard is
better. It draws in cool air, which
is useful in the hot and humid
climate. Another necessary factor
attributed in the courtyard area in
the house plan is to have a vedika
(sacrificial altav). It is a place for
62
Chapter 3
about it on both the ground and
upper floors. And here, let me say
parenthetically, that the principle
of the open court encompassed by
chambers was just as fundamental
to Planning at Mohenjo-Daro as it
was throughout the rest of
prehistoric and historic Asia, and
as it has continued to be in India
until the present day”. (Marshall,
1996) (Fig. 3-9)
sacrificial Pooja and family
marriage.” (D.K.Bubbar, 2005).
The courtyard is climatically
ideal for the tropics as it draws in
cool air, which is circulated
within the interior, replacing foul
air. In non-tropical countries, the
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings
courtyard may have different
utility and type, which could be
treated by different size of
opening depending upon the
location.
This form of architecture met
the requirements of the traditional
family system as well as the
climate. The courtyard
functioned; as a convective
thermostat and gave protection
from the tough meteorological
conditions; as a dust storm could
pass unnoticed but for the
inmates. The courtyard moderated
the extreme effects of the hot
summers and freezing winters of
the Indian sub-continent and
averaged out the large diurnal
temperature differences.
It has transformed from a
narrow opening to a large peri-
style one in the interior zone of
the house, with perhaps another
or more near the entrance and the
rear section. The total number of
courtyards in one residence could
reach five to six ones. The
courtyard house in India is not
based on blind conformity and
there were tremendous
amendments over the intervening
centuries. The courtyard house in
India was not based on blind
conformity and there was
tremendous innovation over the
intervening centuries. (Fig. 3-10)
Figure 3-10: Chettinad central
courtyard house. (Pai, 2009)
3.4. The First Appearance of
Courtyards (3000 BC)
The first appearance of
courtyards dates right back to the
start of home construction. These
courtyards were often used as
areas for cooking, as they
provided a large space for an open
fireplace for smug to evolve.
People would also use the areas as
dormitories, work places,
playgrounds and of course as
gardens. These courtyards were
inspired by the open plan central
areas, which had often been used
as gathering spots and cooking
areas. (Anon., 2011)
3.5. The Sumerian (Ur)
Model (2000 BC)
Ur is a Sumerian City, 2000
BC, of ancient origin, which was
previously sited along the
Euphrates River, in the region of
63

Southern Iraq. Towns would have
a series of two storey buildings,
that would be set around an open
courtyard in the middle were built
of fired brick. Kitchen, working,
and public spaces were located on
the ground floor, with private
rooms located upstairs. These
courtyards would typically be
public spaces that the occupants
of the two storey houses could
congregate in together. (McNeese,
1999)
Although we refer to these
spaces as courtyards today;
however, in 2000 BC, they were
referred to as Atriums, a term that
also carries a slightly different
meaning today. Atriums are now
typically seen as large glass-
roofed and sided structures.
3.6. The Roman Model
The central uncovered area in a
Roman domus was referred to; as
a courtyard. The Romans often
installed large wells within the
center of the courtyards, to catch
falling rain water. They also
installed beautiful water reservoirs
there. These courtyards would be
used in the same way they had
always been, but would also be
used as awe-inspiring spots,
where nomadic singers and
64
Chapter 3
musicians would express their
talent to the residents of the area.
Roman atrium houses were
built side by side along the street.
They were one-storey homes
without windows; as light
penetrates through the entrance
and the central atrium. The hearth,
which is used to inhabit the center
of the home, was relocated, and
the Roman courtyard most often
had enclosed a central pool to save
rainwater “impluvium”. The
impluvium is the sunken part of
the courtyard in a Greek or Roman
house “domus”. It was designed to
flow the rainwater coming through
the “compluvium” of the roof, it is
usually made of marble and placed
about 30 cm below the floor of the
courtyard. Commonly, water
cistern was located inside this
courtyard to save the rainwater
during the rainy months to store it
and reuse it in non-rainy days
These homes incorporated a
second open-air area; the garden,
which would be surrounded by
Greek-style colonnades, forming a
peristyle. This created a
colonnaded walkway around the
parameters of the courtyard, which
influenced monastic structures
centuries later. (Becker, 2017)
(Fig. 3-11)
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings

Figure 3- 11: A domus, with impluvium (courtyard) numbered 7. (Langhammer,

26 August 2010)

3.7. The Chinese Model behind this arrangement to home

These courtyards were laid out
in a similar fashion to the Roman
courtyards. There would be a
square center to accommodate a
number of houses. The traditional
Chinese courtyard house, e.g.,
siheyuan, is an arrangement of
several individual houses around a
square. These houses would often
belong to one family or belongs to
different family members.
Additional houses are created
other family members for each
relative would occupy an
individual house.
The Chinese courtyard is a
place of privacy and tranquility,
incorporating a garden and water
feature that would motivate
peaceful thought and tranquility,
and would also include water
features as a center point. Larger
‘estates’ would have numerous
courtyards within a vast collection

65

of interlinked houses. In some
cases, houses are constructed with
multiple courtyards assuring
privacy; as they recede from the
street. Strangers would be
received in the outermost
courtyard, with the innermost
ones being reserved for close
friends and family members. (Fig.
3-12)
A” siheyuan” is a historical
type of residence that was
commonly found throughout
China, most famously in Beijing.
In English, “siheyuan” are known
as courtyard houses or, less
often, Chinese quadrangles. The
name literally means a courtyard
surrounded by buildings on all
four sides. (Qijun, 2000)
Figure 3-12: A Chinese courtyard in
Beijing. (Pfctdayelise, 1 dec 2004)
Throughout Chinese history,
the “siheyuan” composition was
the basic pattern used for
residences, palaces, temples,
66
Chapter 3
monasteries, family businesses
and governmental offices. In
ancient times, a spacious
“siheyuan” would be occupied by
a single, usually large and
extended family, signifying
wealth and prosperity. (Fig. 3-13)
Figure 3-13: A model of a Chinese
courtyard “siheyuan”. (Pubuhan, 28
December 2005)
Today, many-left “siheyuan”
are still used as housing
complexes, but many lack modern
amenities. (Pubuhan, 2004).
3.8. Middle Eastern
Courtyards
Middle Eastern courtyards
would often show traces of piety.
Wells and water features would be
built with incorporated markers of
faith on them. This feature
highlights the reverence of these
courtyards in this community. In
Islamic areas, private courtyards
were often the only place that
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings
Muslim women would be
permitted to show up on their own
recalling the desert-life influence
of the region.
Designating rooms for
cooking, sleeping, etc was not
favoured in courtyards. These
activities were distributed on the
whole year to get over the climate
changes and the position of the
sun. Often the flat rooftops of
these structures were used for
sleeping in warm weather. In
some Islamic cultures, private
courtyards provided the only
outdoor space for women to relax
in mere seclusion. One of the most
vivid embodiments of the earliest
courtyards in history is The Court
of Lions in Andalusia and the
Mosque of Uqba in Tunisia’s city
of Kairouan. (Salloum, 2008) (Fig.
3-14 to 3-16)

Figure 3-14: The Court of the Mosque of Figure 3-15: The Court of Lions in
Uqba in Tunisia’s city of Kairouan. Andalusia. (alfonsodetomas, 2009)
(Salloum, 2008)

Figure 3-16: Middle Eastern Courtyards (Umm Qais (the Biblical Gadara), 1995).

67
 Chapter 3

3.9. The British Model courtyards often had large water

a- Medieval Britain features at their center added to
During this period, courtyards
in Britain were mainly found in
Monasteries. They provided a
quiet sanctuary for Monks for
religious practices. These
courtyards were not marked as the
affluent courtyards of the Middle
East or Rome. These were simple
areas for meditation. (Courtyard,
2011)
b- Stuart Britain features some of the most
Courtyards of this period were
characterized by large seating
areas, bringing the idea of
community to the forefront of
their design. These courtyards
were no longer available for
everyone in a village and were
only eligible to the higher classes
who had constructed them within
their homes.
the decorated surrounding
statues.
d- Victorian Britain
Eye-catching architecture was
the essence of the Victorian era.
Courtyards featured stone pillars
that were beautifully carved with
cherubs and deities. Gardens were
planted around these structures
too. Hampton Court Palace
interesting and beautiful walled
gardens in the UK.
Within the walls of these
courtyards, Queen Victoria’s
children and grandchildren
learned to garden and appreciate
the serene beauty of nature.
Nowadays, it is still one of the
most architecturally breath-taking
spots in UK.

c- Georgian Britain e- 20th Century Britain

Everything in the Georgian
period was about affluence and
wealth. Georgian nobility were
very concerned with showcasing
their wealthy class status. The
entrance of courtyards in
Georgian homes was done, to
allow private areas for guests to
open discussions right there. The
Courtyards were generally
inspired by their formers.
American Davis and Zwebell
families designed numerous
homes that were based on
Mediterranean courtyards. These
homes were particularly popular
in the posh suburbs of Los
Angeles.

68
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings
Many of the century’s early
starlets’ homes were designed by
either one of the families. The
design of these courtyards then
spread further across North
America. Some of the homes have
been on footage on popular
American TV shows like Melrose
Place and Dynasty. These homes
were out of reach of the lower
classes.
f- Modern Britain property
Courtyards often appear now
in modern open plan homes and
public buildings. Many upmarket
restaurants and bars have been
built around courtyards because
they produce a calming and
relaxing effect. However, you are
most likely to find them outside
rather than within buildings. The
latest trend with these structures is
locating them off the home as
private gardens.
These gardens are extremely
popular as they can be created in
many different areas. Their
structures are pretty similar to
atriums or patio gardens, but
always have enclosed walls that
either encircle the whole home or
are just attached onto the back or
the side of it.
Historically, many grand
estates had courtyards within their
home as well as courtyard gardens
within their parameters. Some
ruined stately homes have even
been restored as courtyard
gardens, which once encompassed
them inside the edifice.
The sense of community that
courtyards bestow is the real
grounds of stunning designers and
developers alike.
Courtyards are ultimately
timeless, because they have been
a permanent fixture in our
civilization. (Courtyard, 2011)
3.10. The Early phase of
the 20th Century
In the early 20th century,
courtyard apartments were
prevalent in Los Angeles, as a
gathering place for residents to
enjoy the pool, barbecues,
socialize, or simply enjoy the
refreshing weather. Courtyards
were built into some of the
superlative multi-family high-rise
apartments in Chicago in the early
1900s, prior the Depression,
designers such as the Davis family
and the Zwebell family developed
houses to mimic Mediterranean
architecture, but using very
carefully planned courtyards, they
69

managed to create the spirit of
community, safety and scale. Using
various levels of private/public
gradations, these courtyard houses
excelled that they have been cloned
all over, the western coast of the
Figure 3-17: The classic courts around
which mixed retail and residential life
flourished. (Heathcote, 2014)
3.11. Islamic Era that, Islamic courtyard houses are
It can be observed that,
Muslims have manipulated the
courtyard model to suit their
inherent aspirations. In the case of
other types of architecture,
Muslim community has
reinterpreted and readapted
houses over the centuries, with
certain refinements each added in
a time. Thorough analysis shows
70
Chapter 3
United States. They are so typical
of Los Angeles that several
television series were filmed there,
among which, Melrose Place.
(Heathcote, October 6, 2014) (Figs.
3-17, 3-18)
Figure 3-18: Entrance to the main
courtyard of Uriarte Talavera, in
Puebla, Mexico (first half of 20th
century. (Heathcote, 2014)
totally disparate from their Roman
predecessors, and exhibit crystal
clear modifications among
themselves and are distinct from
one country (or sometimes from
one city) to another, which again
demonstrates better adaptation to
the local societal conditions.
(Figs. 3-19 to 3-22)
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings

Figure 3-19: Courtyard and front yard in houses in Arab Countries, Early 20th
century.

Figure 3-20: Courtyard and front yard in houses: By Hassan Fatehy, Deraya,
Saudi Arabia. (Harrigan, 2016)

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 Chapter 3

Figure 3-21: Courtyard and front yard in houses: Mohamed Abdulrahman

House, Deraya, Saudi Arabia. (Harrigan, 2016)

Figure 3-22: Courtyard in Saudi Arabia; Al-Ashkary House. (Al-Hameed, 2010)

72
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings

3.12. Courtyard in Bahrain can be used as a source of day-

Courtyard is well known in
Bahrain within different ages. One
of the main reasons of using
courtyard for more than 5000
years is its environmental effects.
In different climates, courtyard
lighting for adjacent rooms in
deep plans. Further advantage of
courtyard in winters is protecting
the parent building from harsh
conditions of weather such as
winds (Upadhyay, 2008).

Figure 3-23: Police main quarter, Bahrain, 1931. (Agency, 2012)

Figure 3-24: Bahrain fort 2300 to 1800 BC, Bahrain. (Agency, 2012)

73
 Chapter 3

Figure 3-25: Arad Fort was built in the typical style of Islamic forts during the
15th century . (Agency, 2012).

Figure 3-26: Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa House (1869-1932).

Published by Arab World Tours Site (Guide, 2010)

3.13. Findings others. Courtyard plays a major

Open spaces play a major role
in any building. Most of the
formerly buildings encompass
courtyard, for ventilation, thermal
comfort, wind flow purposes and
role in maintaining the comforts
of the residence in terms of
lighting, ventilation and thermal
comfort.

74
Historical Background of Courtyards in Buildings

Points for Further Studies:

Analyzing courtyard in old era
according to:
Location
Function
Characteristics
Advantage of using courtyard in
this building
Findings

75
4. Ch4:

P rinciples of Courtyard Design

Principles of Courtyard Design

4.1. Overview of using courtyard in this

Courtyard design necessitates
the sufficient background
knowledge regarding its
functions, criteria, elements and
building typologies. Yet,
identifying the difference
between landscape design and
garden design; as distinct
architectural concepts; must
come first. Both concepts engage
mutual elements and perform
similar roles; composing
outdoors; however, garden design
involves a more private and
smaller scale design.
The locations, reasons,
residents and architects are the
chief factors and influences of
landscape architecture design
approach in courtyards, for they
can hinder the success of such a
project and manipulate its
physical featuring. Accordingly,
the shouldered activities right
there must be under scrutiny; as
well as the aforementioned
influences. This chapter enlists
brief examples for courtyards in
different parts of the world to
present location, functions,
characteristics and the advantages
building and at the end of the
chapter findings will be
summarized.
Within the study, the Impetus
for Cultural, economic and
environment items need better
understanding of the design has
never been that pressing.
Tolerance, understanding, and
wisdom are well beyond the
ordinary. Therefore, the
synergistic effects and reciprocal
relation among analyzing
Landscape Architecture of
courtyard design and users of of
the projects will be the main axis
of this research (Fig. 4-1). From
the other hand that in designing
courtyard for different types and
scales, whereas using the concept
of Landscape architecture
courtyard could be found for:
• Private projects,
• Public projects,
• Smaller scale,
• Larger scale,
• Mostly involve building,
• Not a profession,
• Professional practice. (Fig.
4-2)

79
 Chapter 4

Figure 4-1: Minimalist courtyard concrete paver courtyard kitchen photo in

Kobe with roof extension clean lines with minimal hardscape very zen! –
kathyalford. (Photo by SQOOL)

Larger scale: Office buildings Private projects: Public projects: Bahrain

complex Housing complex National Museum
Figure 4-2: Designing courtyard for different types and scale. (Photos by the
author)

Successful courtyard design i. Place dimension, which is

has to meet the users’ divided to:
expectations speaking of social, a. Manmade (artificial
environmental, cultural, and approach)
aesthetic and practical b. Nature (environmental
requirements. Meanwhile, there approach)
are two main dimensions are ii. Human dimension. (El-
considered basics of a successful Ghonaimy, 2011) (Fig. 4-3)
courtyard project, these are:
80
Principles of Courtyard Design
Figure 4-3: Courtyard in traditional houses in Bahrain has positive social,
economic and environmental impacts. (El-Ghonaimy, 2011)
Therefore, this chapter tackles
courtyard design considerations.
At the end of the chapter findings
will be summarized.
4.2. The Meanings of
Landscape Architecture
Design of Courtyards perception of objective reality
Landscape Architecture for
Courtyard is targeted to design
outdoor areas, landmarks, and
structures to achieve
environmental, social-behavioral,
or aesthetic outcomes. It is
attentive to the systematic
investigation of existing social,
ecological, and geological
conditions and processes in the
landscape, and the design of
interventions that will produce
the desired sequel.
‘Any landscape is composed
not only of what lies before our
eyes, but also what lies within
our heads’ Meinig (1979) “The
Beholding Eye: Ten Versions of
the Same Scene,” Meinig (1979)
explores observer bias. Jackson et
al (1979) classify our
interpretation of landscape based
not on objective reality but
mental filters that shape our
(Jackson J. B., Lewis P. F.,
Lowenthal D., 1979). These
filters, or landscape
interpretations, can be
categorized as the following ten
separate cognitive spaces:
4.2.1. As Nature
a- Nature is romantic and
nostalgic.
b- Nature is dominant to humans.
c- Nature is pristine and should
be preserved at all costs.
d- Humans are detrimental to the
majesty of nature.
4.2.2. As Habitat
a- Landscape Architecture is a
home that provides all of
humans’ needs.
81

b- Nature should be cultivated so
as to maintain its bounty.
c- Nature can be modified to
enhance its benefit to people.
d- Nature must be obeyed,
respected, and nurtured.
4.2.3. As Artifact future value.
a- An entity created by people.
b- A stage for human drama.
c- An expression of self in which
nature does not exist.
d- A reinforcement of ego to the
detriment of nature.
4.2.4. As System b- The landscape Architecture at
a- Interdependent subsystems are
integrated into a whole.
b- Landscape Architecture
elements are interrelated.
c- People and nature are
expressions of systemic
oneness.
d- Individual elements are
integrations of multiple
systems.
4.2.5. As Problem 4.2.8. As History
a- Ecologically, physiologically,
and psychologically ill.
b- Pervasively and ubiquitously
damaged and broken.
c- In complete disarray.
d- In need of correction.
82
Chapter 4
4.2.6. As Wealth
a- A market value in terms of
currency.
b- An investment that aims for
the highest and best use.
c- A prediction of potential
d- An exploitation of the
environment for capital gain.
4.2.7. As Ideology
a- Landscape Architecture is a
symbol of the hopes, dreams,
and aspirations of a culture.
large conveys the essence of
its culture.
c- Cultural meaning of landscape
Architecture is influenced by
degree of hetero- or
homogeneity of the culture
and the resulting sense of
integration.
d- Both a manifestation and a
creator of the spirit of a people.
a- Natural and human activities
are viewed chronologically.
b- Everything is positioned in
time and sequence.
c- Landscape Architecture
gestures are viewed in relation
to the cultures and individuals
that created them.
Principles of Courtyard Design
d- Landscape Architecture is a
system comprised of historical
forces.
4.2.9. As Place
a- A sensory experience that
delivers rich mental constructs.
b- A memorable place full of
feeling, flavor, and ambiance.
c- A sense of place that is
experienced by moving past a
generalized understanding and
into experiential details.
d- A pleasure ground with a
unique value to be discovered.
4.2.10. As Aesthetic biased by other influences
a- Artistic quality of landscape
features and the landscape
Architecture as visual scene.
b- Detached, abstract approach.
c- Rational approach à holds
truth and beauty.
d- Human involvement is
contemplative / Landscape
Architecture vas object /
endowed with high viewing
point.
These ten approaches provide
a comprehensive overview
unearthing the complexity of
Landscape Architecture for
Courtyard interpretation. Albeit,
these views do not exist in
isolation as the observer may be
simultaneously (Fig. 4-4).

Figure 4-4: Time, Place, and Activities as major considerations influence the
qualitative performance, Old Matmata villages in the south-east of Tunisia.
(Anon., 2012)

4.3. Supreme Criteria of spaces. As illustrated for

Courtyard Design residential purposes, Courtyards
Courtyards are found in both, have been around for centuries
commercial and residential and served various purposes over

83
 Chapter 4
time including sleeping, cooking, buildings, there are used as a
working, gardening and even shared common outdoor place.
places to keep animals.
4.3.1. Outfitted Courtyards
Nowadays, architects use
courtyard when a semi-controlled Courtyards are often outfitted
outdoor environment is required, with various elements such as
benches, paved areas, fountains,
but they prefer having a glass- plants, and others to create an
covered, air-conditioned 'atrium'. aesthetically pleasing and
In many cases, such as housing functional design. (Fig. 4-5)
complexes and apartment

Figure 4-5: The picture above shows semi-controlled outdoor environment is

required using courtyard in building. (Photo by the Marquise Pools)

4.3.2. Common Forms of from the main door to the

Courtyards courtyard. This transition reduces
Courtyards are not always heat, noise and glare effect along
destined to central allocation. It the street. It may be followed by
can be surrounded by rooms or another transition or an arcade,
arcades or the outer walls. The perhaps a room or the courtyard
transition start, by Marquise itself. (Fig. 4-6)
Pools entry sequence extends

84
Principles of Courtyard Design

Control indoor living space with exterior Courtyard surrounded on all three sides
open spaces on two or more sides by interior living spaces

Courtyard surrounded on all sides by Courtyard cutting through house creating

interior living spaces two strips of indoor living space with a
central outdoor courtyard space
(The author)

(Zhang, A.; Bokel, R.; van den Dobbelsteen, A.; Sun, Y.; Huang, Q.; Zhang, Q. , 2017, 9)
Figure 4-6: Common shapes of courtyard.

85
 Chapter 4
4.3.3. The Sense of Enclosure indispensable tool to actualize the
Courtyards are distinguished proposed design style. (Fig. 4-7)
for conveying spaciousness yet
surrounded by four "solid" walls.
Solid is more visual than literal. A
vine-covered trellis or a hedge
maybe close in a small space
(perhaps less than 10 feet square)
without making it feel
claustrophobic. A sky-roofed Figure 4-7: Style and look is
space or canopy fortifies the sense determining factor in designing
of enclosure. Whatever the used courtyard. (by Lucid Software)

structure is, it should give space to View and Visual Issues

plenty of light into the courtyard
otherwise its ambience will be
questioned or even undermined. A
retractable awning is one way to
add enclosure. A temporary roof
may save the courtyard winter
infringement and protect the
plants beneath.
4.3.4. Styles attractive spot in the courtyard,
The style and look of the
courtyard is to some extent
predetermined by the walls that
define it. However, these walls
can be relocated, to realise the
targeted setting. Style should be
achieved employing design
elements used in courtyard design
and furnishings, finishing and
paintings of walls and flooring
lighting elements. Water is
The main concern for a
courtyard is usually the inner
view rather than outer one. As
you design, check views right
before all of the windows
(including those overhead) and
doors that lead to the courtyard.
Also, if you encountered an
you are liable to cut a window; as
a sort of frame encasing this
miniature of the extending
courtyard. As for the visual
issues, they rely on the finishing
materials in terms of color
texture, panel dimensions, edge
profiles, second geometric and
figurative patterns. (Fig. 4-8)

86
Principles of Courtyard Design
Figure 4-8: Main concern for a
courtyard is usually the view, French
Courtyard Gardens, Katy, Texas.
Figure 4-9: Upgrade courtyard via performance issues. (Photos by the author)
4.3.6. The Available Budget stacked stone and mortared
The budget reigns supreme on
the decision-making process.
Cost is a consideration for
most of us, which means
summoning those creative
brain cells to come up with a
solution that you like and that
works within your budget (or
lack of). An old brick or
4.3.5. Performance
It makes the scene when it
comes to:
a- Acoustic performance and
noise in space.
b- Fire Resistance selector.
c- High humidity resistance
selector.
d- High light reflectance selector.
e- High durability / maintenance
selector. (Fig. 4-9)
wall might look beautiful, but
make sure you have enough
financing to cover the width
and height of the area you
want fenced or screened.
4.3.7. Application Issues
In design of spaces with one
must account for sudden
demanding functional
87
 Chapter 4
requirements. Specific Courts are of a significant
capabilities in selecting courtyard functional value, socially,
materials should be considered culturally and environmentally.
for example spaces like Out-door No wonder they are also
Auditorium, Open plaza, associated with spiritual and
Swimming pool …etc metaphysical overtones. Courts
are sanctified with sacred
4.4. Design Issues
functions assigned to them; such
Courtyard design is the art of as worship places, kitchen or
arranging or modifying the dining. Borrowing the Chinese
features of space changing it to a word for court that it is 'well to
place serving aesthetic or heaven'. And that from India that
practical ends. The design of courtyard often adorned with
courtyard is to achieve plants, which all energy
environmental, socio-behavioral, propagates. (Fig. 4-10)
and/or aesthetic objectives.

Figure 4-10: Creativity in designing courtyard leads to unique and attracting

space then turn to place, Museum opening The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter
The Sackler Courtyard © Hufton + Crow.

88
Principles of Courtyard Design
Courtyard design is to
consider the followings issues:
4.4.1. Physical issues is very limited and small. To
a. Height
The height-to-width ratio of
the court is very critical in the
environmental management of
the house. Cubical proportion
courts with heights equal to the
width or three times taller, its
width is found efficient with
respect to mutual shading for the
sun. Too tall courts remain like
shafts and lose their scale to
afford sense of outdoor space and
effective management of light
and air. Too shallow courts also
do not perform climatically as
they lose out on the system of sun
shading with higher ingress of
direct sun within in a hot dry
climate. This is why every
aperture within built fabric or
every house with a hole does not
qualify to be the courtyard. Court
is an integral system of built, of
light, air, sun and vegetation.
(Fig. 4-11)
b. Space
The space in some courtyards
create the illusion of more space,
paint a mural on one of the
courtyard walls. Use paintings of
a landscape or garden to open up
the space visually. Use blue,
green and white colors -- all of
which brighten the area without
making the area seem smaller.
(Carter, 2010) (Fig. 4-12)
c. Size and Proportion
Analyze the size of the area to
be screened and height of the
actual screen. Something big and
tall could dwarf an already-small
space (remember the diminutive
Stonehenge props in the film
Spinal Tap?) Conversely, a 4-
foot-high row of floribunda roses
will not grant you the privacy you
might require, especially during
off-season when they're reduced
to mere canes. (Fig. 4-12)
89
 Chapter 4

by Lidija Grozdanic

University of British Columbia

Figure 4-11: Light of courtyards.

90
Principles of Courtyard Design

Figure 4-12: Physical issues; space, size and proportion in courtyard, academic
building, Fuji Kindergarten by Tezuka Architects features an outdoor play
area on its roof. (Photo by Ktsuhisa)

4.4.2. Social Considerations tropical urban climate held in

a. Privacy
Courtyards provide open-to-
sky, outdoor space away from the
public eye. Family activities can be
spelled out, yet remain protected
from the outside world. The space
became an apt, socio-cultural
congruent providing ground space
for the family, especially women
and children to carry out daily
chores and festive celebrations.
The central void became a
connecting volume between floors
with visual, audio and physical
link maintaining a rapport with
vertically segregated floors.
Ruling out appropriateness,
the technical conference on the
1991 states that, courtyards are
designated, to sustain the
environmental balance. They are
regarded as efficient climactic
tools of ventilation. Hot air finds
their way out through the court.
Furthermore, it spares air thanks
to the pressure difference and the
inward draft of cool air through
lower level Jaali windows.
It also hailed the urgency of
privacy amongst the courtyard
and the neighbouring rooms.
Plants must be chosen on equal
footing with pieces of furniture
for an utmost benefit. Vines must
be at stake of a trellis or any other
bandage, to be at a distance from

91

the actual walls or windows of the
house to avoid transgression.
Privacy is the essence of
comfort in an outdoor room.
Sectioning and desolating the
area by adequately placed
screens, walls or fences of decent
height arouses a sense of mystery
throughout the landscape. Arbors
and overhead strengthen the
feeling of seclusion and grants
the necessary shade.
Outdoor living space is of
strong potential providing
illumination, shade, views and
Chapter 4
fresh air. Architects must be
competent of these tools and bare
in mind these five essential
elements while designing respite.
Consequently, seclusion and
privacy are directly created that
as mentioned before A courtyard
is an enclosed area, surrounded
by walls or the buildings, on at
least three sides and it is open to
the sky. This way, it provides
secrecy and privacy since the
open spaces are centred inside or
in the frontier or the back of the
edifice. (WMO, 1993) (Fig. 4-13)

Residential building, Fuji Kindergarten building, Tachikawa near Tokyo,

Oceanfront, Laguna Beach, CA Japan, 2007 (project by Tezuka Architects)
(Photo by abodwell interior
design- Brittney Fischbeck)
Figure 4-13: Courtyard gives privacy for users in building.

Keep your house under wraps where a fence or backyard

Need an outdoor privacy
screen? It is not as simplistic as it
seems or of one-type-suits-all.
Palatial mansion or pint-sized
plot needs a space of privacy,
92
distances the residents from their
fellow neighbours' sight. Whether
it is for the area near your pool,
spa, outdoor kitchen, patio, or
just a spot for enjoying some
solitude, you are going to need to
Principles of Courtyard Design
figure out how to create that
outdoor privacy screen, barrier,
fence, etc. Follow these
suggestions for sizing-up and
finding the right privacy screen
for your outdoor space. (Taylor,
2016) (Fig. 4-14)

Figure 4-14: Privacy and secure in residential buildings due to using courtyard.
Courtyard development should provide a useable open space behind the parts of the
development that front the street (Orange Hall, Auckland). (Orange Hall, 2018)

b. Safety has been applied. Look for

Does the material become
slippery when wet? Does it have
little ridges or “potholes” that
make the surface uneven and
could trip someone?
While stamped concrete is a
good choice because it's a
textured surface, it can become
slippery when wet or if a sealant
materials that are specifically
designed or advertised as being
slip resistant.
Some materials, like asphalt,
can become hot, when walked on
with bare feet. Keep this in mind
when planning to pave near a
pool. (Fig. 4-15)

93

Add seating to create an inviting
space in your atrium. (Lundman,
2010)
Figure 4-15: Safety in courtyard is essential factor.
c. Relaxing
How to Create a Piece of
Paradise in Your Own Outdoor
Space? The answer is a yard
cluttered with too much patio
furniture, outdoor structures (like
gazebos) and children's play
equipment is going to appear
chaotic. In fact, you might find
yourself trying to avoid the yard if
there's too much packed in it, you
find it difficult to move around, or
there is always a project calling
out your name. Rethink the yard
94
Chapter 4
courtyards tend to have certain features in
common. (Quarters, 2011)
by clearing out the clutter,
pruning overgrown trees and
hedges, relocating play equipment
or donating it if your children are
too old for slides and swings. Get
rid of broken furniture and
accessories or things that don't
seem to belong in the yard.
Starting with as clean or bare
of a slate as possible, assess your
yard for elements that it needs to
make it a place you want to get
away to; a refuge for kicking
back and relaxing. (Fig. 4-16)
Principles of Courtyard Design

Figure 4-16: Create a piece of paradise in your own outdoor space. (Taylor,
2016)

d. A View view with outdoor furniture.

If you are fortunate enough to
live or work in a building with a
view, take full advantage of it in
the courtyard. Design
considerations include:
• Don't block the view with
trees and hedges.
• Likewise, don't block the
• Landscaping should blend
in with the neighboring
view and environment, not
compete with it.
• Frame the view with
landscaping and furnishings.
(Taylor, 2016) (Fig. 4-17)

Figure 4-17: A View via intimate space by courtyard. (Taylor, 2016)

e. Look before Leaping obtain outdoor privacy screens

Taylor (2016) notes that there with walls, fences or hedges.
are loud and clear methods to However, she laments that *these
structures aren't always necessary

95

or smart solutions. Do you really
need a stacked-stone retaining
wall for the terrace of your
condo? Would an 8-foot-high
Chapter 4
fortress of clipped boxwood look
somewhat odd surrounding a 5-
foot diameter spa? (Taylor, 2016)
(Fig. 4-18)

Figure 4-18: Obvious ways to create outdoor privacy screens. (Taylor, 2016)

f. Inspiration other neighborhoods for

She continues saying, *if you
open your eyes to your
surroundings, inspiration is
lurking around every corner.
Visit a local botanical garden and
take pictures. Cruise your own or
possibilities. And don't forget to
check out this photo gallery of
ideas for outdoor privacy screens,
which is frequently updated.
(Taylor, 2016) (Fig. (4-19)

Figure 4-19: Inspiration from surrounding courtyard elements. (Taylor, 2016)

4.5. The Role of Courtyard a- Change space to place that

Design meet social, environmental,
The main role of designing cultural, and aesthetic and
courtyard is to: practical requirements.

96
Principles of Courtyard Design
b- Create functional places.
c- Improve the ways in which
people interact with the place.
d- Reduce the negative impacts
that human use has upon
sensitive landscapes
e- Contribute to the overall
concept and prepare an initial
master plan, from which
Figure 4-20: Social issues in courtyard: privacy, safety, relaxing, a view and
inspiration, Ventana Canyon, Tucson, Arizona. © Prideaux Land & Home Design
Landscape architecture must
keep the advantage it has gained
thanks to employing the
knowledge of landscape, which
no other related disciplines have.
Detailed landscape design,
creation of new spaces—new
landscapes, and use of
detailed designs can
subsequently be prepared.
f- The most valuable
contribution is often made at
the earliest stage of a project
in generating ideas and
bringing style and creativity to
the use of space. (Fig. 4-20)
characteristic, alive landscape
material as well as nature
protection, landscape ecology
and regional landscape planning
require likely a creative and a
scientific approach. (Figs. 4-21,
4-22)
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 Chapter 4

Courtyard in culture center Courtyard in academic complex

Figure 4-21: Designing culture center via applying the role of designing
courtyard. (Designed by the author)

Figure 4-22: Designing courtyard respecting the main role of designs. (Taylor,
2016)

4.5.1. Stimulants and Major (Fig. 4-23) These can be

Powers Affecting the identified in four key aspects of
Mother Nature of the the activity, which draws on the
Place nature of the place to facilitate
The site analysis unveils the the study. (Western, 1988) It is
most powerful stimulants dealing shown in Table (4-1) as follows:
with courtyard design projects.

98
Principles of Courtyard Design

Table 4-1: Stimulates affecting nature of the place.

Factor Description
Physical (location) Represents the maximum number of users for a
certain place without causing any damage to the
environment
Environment (context) Examines the maximal level of tolerances without
causing any deterioration to the courtyard
environment
Society and Cognitive Represented by the habits and behaviors that
(awareness for users) characterize the users place (sociological
psychological approaches)
Economic (Returns) Accounts for the rate of consumption of the place
for a material return.
Source: Western, S, Carrying Capacity, Population Growth and Sustainable
Development: A case Study from Philippines, Journal of Environmental Management,
vol. 27, 1988.

Figure 4-23: Most important influences in dealing with Landscape Architecture

for courtyard. (Photo by Lina D.)

99

4.5.2. Design Tools courtyards is discussed abiding
Landscape Architecture
Design is all about;
a- Softscape which includes
flowers, plants, shrubs, trees,
flower beds, green areas, etc.
b- Hardscape which includes the
paved areas like:
i. Flooring in form of paving,
ii. Landscape furniture,
iii. Shade structure,
iv. Water elements,
v. Light structure,
vi. Landform and shaping,
vii. Lighting,
viii. Furniture. (Fig. 4-24)
4.6. Conclusion
In the next chapter, the
hardscape and softscape of
100
Chapter 4
by the criteria thereunder, that are
the most important stimulants
dealing with courtyard design
projects. These elements can be
identified in the four key aspects
of the activity, which draws on
nature of the place, to facilitate
the study as follows. (Western,
1988)
a. Society and Cognitive
(awareness for users)
b. Physical (location)
c. Economic (Returns)
d. Environment (context)
Principles of Courtyard Design

Figure 4-24: Soft and hardscape as design tools for courtyard. (Photos collected by
the author)

101
 Chapter 4

Points for Further Studies:

Analyzing examples of courtyard
according to:
Location
Function
Characteristics
Advantage of using courtyard in
this building
Findings

102
5. Ch5:

P avements Amount to Courtyards

Design
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

5.1. Overview a. Physical (location)

Location, reasons, users and
doers carry weight in courtyard
design. Henceforward, this
chapter speculates the role of
pavements right there; as
displayed in the table bellows in
accordance with the four key
aspects of activity. (Western,
1988)
Hardscape elements should
abide by certain CRITERIA of the
current use of courtyard. Therefore,
evaluation of right choices of
hardscape materials always follow
these criteria; flooring, wall, and
furniture.
b. Environment (context)
c. Economic (Returns)
d. Society and Cognitive
(awareness for users)
The design elements of
pavement; as part of hardscape
elements which are as follows:
i. flooring in form of paving,
ii. landscape furniture,
iii. shade structure,
iv. water elements,
v. light structure,
vi. landform and shaping,
vii. lighting,
viii. furniture. (Fig. 5-1)

Figure 5-1: Hardscape elements that are used in design of courtyard landscape.
(Photos by the author).

5.2. Courtyard Pavement achievements and goals and

Design Considerations could be evaluated in order to
The following tables show the having sustainable courtyard:
elements that should be put in (Tables 5-1, 5-2)

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 Chapter 5
Table 5-1: Elements of environmental states.

Element Comment
Sources of noise
Noise Impacts of noise
Noise control
Climatic Conditions
Heat gain and heat loss
Factors affecting heat gains
Heat
and heat loss
Control of heat
Sources of condensation
Effects of condensation Health
effects
Humidity and
condensation Low
humidity
Control of humidity and
condensation
Air effects
Ventilation
Air control
Natural lighting
Lighting
Artificial lighting
Source: the author

Table 5-2: Design and courtyards finishing materials.

Element Comment
Privacy
Overcrowding
Aspects of design and
Aspects of construction
Finishing materials
Building categories
maintenance
Light Construction system
Safety
Source: the author

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Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design
5.2.1. Pro-material Selection October 31, 2015. ) the essential
Phase materials required to pave a path
At the beginning we have to or a patio, and the setting where
understand what do we mean by this pavement is placed; open
“Pavement”? Pavement is any space or pool. It is important to
hard natural or artificial-surfaced approach the project with open-
material consciously placed on mindedness and flexibility.
the ground plane of an outdoor The materials seen in
space, to establish a durable magazines or online may not be
structure satisfying the design available in the region
objectives. Pavements may be beforehand or may be more
made of gravel, brick, tile, stone, expensive than one can afford.
concrete, asphalt, wood decking That selected slate may not be a
and others. (Fig. 5-2) practical or safe choice next to
the in-ground spa. Pea gravel
might be affordable and durable,
but might not be the most
comfortable or wisest way to go
for a patio upon which one plans
for entertainment purposes.
Before being committed to a
paving material, think about
Figure 5-2: What do we mean by these important points and
“Pavement”. (Photo by the author) answer the inquiries that will
inevitably arise at each.
Paving materials must be
selected according to (Taylor,

107
 Chapter 5
5.2.2. Major Types of Pavements (Fig. 5-3)

Stone Brick

Gravel Tile

Concrete Asphalt

Wood decking Compacted soil

Figure 5-3: Major types of pavements. (Photos collected and taken by the author)

108
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

5.3. Basic Characteristics of ii. Concrete reflects 55% of the

Pavement falling sunrays, while Grass
5.3.1. Advantages: Pavement reflects 25% of falling sunrays.
is Hard and Durable iii. Do not absorb water
(impermeable) increasing
i. Solid of no sudden turnover,
sliding probabilities.
unlike fluidised water or
iv. Pavement overuse would be
flimsy plants
discordant.
ii. Permanent: can support heavy
use (because of its strength) 5.4. Functional and
Compositional
iii. Initial cost can be expensive
Pavement Uses
iv. Low maintenance affords
unlike restoration of plants. 5.4.1. Tolerates intense use
i. Puts up with traffic jam
5.3.2. Disadvantages:
thanks to its durability
Pavement Holds and
Reflects Heat ii. Accommodates handicapped
and other wheeled vehicles
i. Commonly, pavement zones
iii. Can be used in all weather
are usually hot.
conditions. (Fig. 5-4)

Figure 5-4: Accommodate intense use. (Photo by the author)

5.4.2. Provides Guidance iii. Bounded to provide logical

i. Being a relatively thin line è path of movement.
administer directions. iv. In crush hours, it is angular
ii. Detectable in farmsteads. è people take short cut.
(lawn) (Figs. 5-5 to 5-9)

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 Chapter 5

“Desire Lines” plotted between major Walks are designed and located to reflect
entrances of Buildings desire lines

Urban space with numerous “desire Paved Plaza Accommodates the

Lines” located between buildings numerous paths of movements while
maintain unity
Figure 5-5: Provide direction. (Booth, 1990)

Figure 5-6: A strong pavement pattern can direct and lead pedestrians between
adjoining spaces in an open space between buildings. (Booth, 1990)

110
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

Figure 5-7: A ribbon of pavement can be used to lead the eye and provide
direction between points in movement.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

Figure 5-8: Provide direction; Newcastle, UK. (Photo by the author)

Casual Controlled Nervous

Figure 5-9: Provide direction form of linear pavement influences character
movement. (Booth, 1990)

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 Chapter 5
5.4.3. Authorizes Rate and 2. varying sizes,
Rhythm of Movement 3. varying spacing,
by the Action of 4. varying width. (Figs. 5-
• the treatment of pavement: 10, 5-11)
1. varying materials,

Figure 5-10: Rate and type of movement is affected by pavement. (Booth, 1990)

Figure 5-11: Rhythm of movement can be influenced by the above variables.

(Booth, 1990)

5.4.4. Creates Repose Pavement pattern should be

A stop can be created in a non-directional also. (Fig. 5-12)
non-directional pavement.

112
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

Figure 5-12: A non-directional area of approximately equal proportions can

provide a sense of repose. (Booth, 1990)

5.4.5. Indicates Uses in the emphasized by the change of

Ground Plane material to indicate and announce
Functional alternations can be turns. (Figs. 5-13 to 5-15)

Figure 5-13: Indicate uses in the ground plane; Newcastle airport, UK. (Photo
be the author)

113
 Chapter 5

Figure 5-14: Change of movement in street and sidewalk is used to indicate a

hazard. (Booth, 1990)

Figure 5-15: Different pavement materials are used to reinforce particular

functions of individual outdoor spaces. (Booth, 1990)

5.4.6. Determines Scale due • Patterns; large pattern gives

to the; large scale, smaller pattern
• Texture of material creates a more intimate one.
• Size of individual blocks (Figs. 5-16 to 5-20)
• Size and spacing of paving
patterns

114
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

Pavement pattern creates a sense of large Pavement pattern creates a sense of

scale small scale
Figure 5-16: Pavement pattern used to influence scale of outdoor spaces.
(Booth, 1990)

Figure 5-17: Creating smaller more intimate subspaces by choosing a smaller

pattern and texture while maintaining unity through colours and other factors;
Newcastle, UK. (Photo be the author)

Figure 5-18: Introduce other patterns in larger areas to reduce apparent huge
scale and provide visual relief; Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo be the author)

115
 Chapter 5

Large expanse of pavement width Pattern of brick/stone provides a sense

without a sense of scale of scale
Figure 5-19: Pavement pattern used to influence scale of outdoor spaces.
(Booth, 1990)

Weak relation among elements Strong pavement pattern unifies

elements with common background
Figure 5-20: Pavement can be used to unify and coordinate elements in outdoor
spaces. (Booth, 1990)

5.4.7. Fortifies Unity consolidated entity. (Figs. 5-21,

Strong pattern on the ground 5-22)
unifies all elements creating a

116
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

Pavement pattern can influence movement or Pavement pattern is static and non-
non-movement through the space directional
Figure 5-21: Pavement pattern can influence movement or non-movement in
outdoor spaces. (Booth, 1990)

Movement along Movement along No primary movement

N-S axis E-W axis
Figure 5-22: Pavement pattern used to suggest primary direction through an
intersection. (Booth, 1990)

5.4.8. Works as a Background

Setting
Works as a background setting
for other more important
elements in the landscape. In this
case pattern should be simple and
quite of no coarse texture. (Fig.
5-23) Figure 5-23: Background for other
more important elements in the
landscape.

117
 Chapter 5
5.4.9. Establishes Spatial informal atmosphere.
Character • Concrete: cold, impersonal
• Brick: warm inviting feeling to sensations.
a space. • Asphalt: cold impersonal. (Fig.
• Angled flagstone: irregular, 5-24)

Figure 5-24: Blue Carpet Project in New Castle. (Photos by Thomas

Heatherwick, UK)

5.4.10.Provides Visual Zest

• Pattern on ground is an eye
candy.
• Grabs attention of pedestrians
to what is underfoot and
immediately in front of them,
this is where pavement is.
• Pavement pattern can be
appealing to those looking
down to a space from their
upper floor windows. (Fig. 5-
25)
Figure 5-25: Provide visual interest.

118
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design
5.5. Guidelines of with distance à linear
Pavement Design feeling.
a- Number of materials should
be limited to need. Stuffed
materials bring visual chaos
and disorder.
b- Consistency in terms of
patterns and pavement.
c- One pavement material should
dominant with other less used
material used over different
locations establishes unity and
coherence. (Fig. 5-26)
d- Design of pavement pattern
and selection of material
should be during the design
stage and not after, so that a
strong and meaningful pattern
as well as appropriate
materials can be chosen.
e- Pavement should relate to all
objects on site so that it
relates to them and help
establish order for the site.
f- Pavement lines, expansion
joints must be homogeneous
with the edge of building
around the space to establish
unity. (Fig. 5-27)
g- Pavement should be oriented
to emphasize a particular
image:
• Parallel lines for a unified
man-eye view to one point
• Perpendicular lines on
man-eye sight horizon of
sight create closureà
bringing the perspective
closer. (Fig. 5-28)
h- Pavement material should be
appropriate for jamming use,
expected rate of use and
spatial character. Examples:
• Smooth materials are better
for wheelers
• Loose materials are not
convenient for wheels
• Concrete can land itself
easily as it is shapes-free.
• Some materials are
informal such as gravel,
fieldstone, some materials
are formal such as marble.
(Fig. 5-29)
i- Materials can be changed
from one area to another for a
purpose: function and
ownership…When changing
materials for a reason, the
following points should be
considered:
• Change of materials should
be with change in level
some people expect.
• A third material can
provide a transitional visual
neutral material.
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 Chapter 5

Figure 5-26: One pavement material should dominate in design. (Booth, 1990)

Undesirable, expansion joints meet edge Desirable, expansion joints meet edge of
of pavement at acute angles pavement at right angles
Figure 5-27: Expansion joints meet edge of pavement. (Booth, 1990)

120
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

Emphasize a particular so that a strong and meaningful patterns as well as

image appropriate materials can be chosen
Figure 5-28: Pavement should be studied in perspective to help emphasize a
particular image. (Photos by the author)

Figure 5-29: Pavement material should be appropriate for intend use,

Courtyard in between academic uses, New Castle University. (Photo by the
author)

5.6. Basic Characteristics of accommodate certain activities,

Pavement like an outdoor kitchen or
5.6.1. Surface Texture outdoor seating area? Both of
these would require a smooth
How does it feel walking or
surface. A kids area, however,
standing on the paving material
would be fine with loose
whether it is rough or soft? What
materials like sand, bark, or pea
kind of pedestrians is expected,
gravel. (Meritnation, 2017) (Fig.
and will the area be used to
5-30)

121

A brick patio with planters. Getty Images
Soft Surface Texture facilitate
movements
Figure 5-30: Surface texture in open spaces design. (Lundman, 2010)
Texture and soothing sense will
elevate the sense of calmness and
revitalization in atriums. Small
water fountains ornamented with
smooth stones or amusing bamboo
piping are available at garden
stores. One can make their small
water fountain and place a
submersible pump inside.
Incorporate texture into the atrium
by using a variety of plants with
different shapes, such as dainty
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Chapter 5
Gravel can be used to prove textural
interest and contrast on the ground plan
(Booth, 1990)
Hard surface texture to alarm users
baby’s tears (Soleiroliasoleirolii),
a lush groundcover, that can drape
over a fountain’s edge, or red
ginger (Alpiniapurpurata) with red
feathery-looking bracts, or
modified leaves. (Lundman, 2010)
5.6.2. Brickwork
Courtyard design is often
based around impressive
brickwork. If attractive columns
are installed or some colour is
added to the courtyard it must be
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design
neat. Brick and stone work can be
covered in moss, which would
lamentably disfigure its beauty.
Cracks must be repaired along
the brickwork; as these can
disintegrate during the winter
months when water seeps into the
cracks and freezes.
In case failing beyond
achieving the aforementioned
criteria, it is recommended to go
back the drawing boat. Yet, if
one is not devoted to move
mountains, it would end up in
squandered money, wasted time
and lost efforts in vain. Paving
the courtyard as a whole would
save affording for periodical
maintenance, but a dining or
entertaining area must be added.
Brickwork must be well
Figure 5-31: Recreational and
shopping mall, Jerde's Fashion Island, shopping mall, Jerde's Fashion Island,
USA. (Photo by T. Al Rawaf)
organized, but in case of
reluctance one can opt for
Astroturf lawn and enjoy their
perfected garden. (Fig. 5-31)
5.6.3. Colour
For the atrium to be in sunlit,
large vibrant flowers of tropical
hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis) shall be added. These
are available in a wide range of
colours and bloom during the
summer. “Hanging Sensation”
(Begonia boliviensis), a
tuberous begonia with scores of
bright orange flowers on
multiple draping stems that
bloom in summer in the area of
the atrium would filter the
sunlight or cause refraction of
bright indirect light. (Lundman,
2010) (Fig. 5-32)
Figure 5-32: Recreational and
USA. (Photo by T. Al Rawaf)
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 Chapter 5
5.6.4. Appearance hardscape? Is there any idea how
Does the colour, texture or to tell if it coordinates? Again, it
pattern blend in with the might be good to consult a
materials applied on a house or professional. (Fig. 5-33)
the rest of the landscape and

Figure 5-33: Appearance using colour, texture, lighting or pattern.

5.6.5. Durability. pavement material. (Figs. 5-34,

Is it built to last? Will the area 5-35) (Company., 2014)
get lots of pedestrians, or be
exposed to extremes in weather
conditions? What are the
considerations that should be
taken in to facilitate the hindered
flow of movements? Answering
these questions should stem from
considering not only
dimensioning but should extend
to include the type and Figure 5-34: Laying concrete in an
area marked out with planks, cement
characteristics of the selected being poured from wheelbarrow.
(Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images)

124
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

Figure 5-35: Disability and durability consideration.

5.6.6. Implementation design progress plan clear; such

Techniques as: installing the materials of the
Concerning the size, location project and the needed
and major characteristics of the experience to master the plan,
proposed courtyard some, versus the probability of hiring a
questions may arise to set the contractor. (Fig. (5-36)

Figure 5-36: Singapore-airport courtyard with new methods of flooring

materials. (Photos by N. Al Shemery)

125
 Chapter 5
5.6.7. Time required party required to
How long would it take to shoulder or participate in the
complete this project? Is there paving process? (Fig. 5.37)
timeframe or deadline or not? (Bahmam, 2008)
One must account for whatever

Figure 5-37: Time frame to finish flooring, stamped concrete in courtyard.

(Photos by the author)

5.6.8. Maintenance needs to application? Are there

Is the selected material easy to spaces where weeds can grow
maintain? Does it require a through? If so, how about the
special polymer coat or occasional weeding? (Fig. 5-38)
protectant, and, if so, how often it

126
Pavements Amount to Courtyards Design

Figure 5-38: Materials easy to maintain, stamped concrete. (Photos by the

author)

5.6.9. Budget in slate. Be realistic and practical

What is the size of the area to or it would end up in spending a
be covered? Just imagine the cost fortune, to pave that dream patio
of covering a 36 x 40-foot patio and coordinating path. (Fig. 5-39)

Figure 5-39: Budget should be carefully calculated according to courtyard

function and features (Bahmam, 2008)

Budget is always a chiefly nursery may be a better choice.

deciding factor. Materials are not (Taylor, October 31, 2015. )
a matter of choice but rather
5.7. Finding:
affording. Instead of an
interlocking paver pathway, The type of paving material
pavers purchased at a store or chosen will be of a major effect
on the overall appearance of the

127

courtyard. Glazed pavers and
concrete slabs can create a formal
effect, while bricks and stone will
often give a softer, more informal
look. Pavers can be chosen to
match tiles for other surfacing
material would be used within the
house, so that courtyard blends
into the house. Spaces or gaps
can be left in paved areas, to
Chapter 5
create planting spaces. A feeling
of space can be created by the use
of painted landscape or garden
scenes on walls.
The feeling of space can be
further expanded by getting the
garden merged into the house.
Glassed entry areas and the use
of indoor plants can help to
achieve this.

Points for Further Studies:

Analyzing pavements according to:

Location
Function
Characteristics
Advantage of using courtyard in
this building
Findings

128
6. Ch6:

S oftscape “Planting” Design

Softscape “Planting” Design

6.1. Overview edifices a lively environment,

Location, reasons, users and
doers are the key topics,
concerning courtyard design.
This chapter postulates the
required criteria to formulate
adequate courtyard designs.
Western (1988) notes that these
elements “can be identified in
four key aspects of the activity,
which is depending on the nature
of the place and to facilitate the
study as follows.” (Western,
1988)
Defining plantings is but a
priority rather than their material
selection. It is a large pleasant
outdoor soft surface, allocated in
a plan, to bestow the surrounding
meeting the objective of the
design; they are either, trees or
grass or palms, etc.
As previously elucidated,
courtyard is a circumscribed sky-
roofed space by an edifice with
an opening leading to the street.
This space is of access to rainfall,
thus it should be planted to give a
decorative effect, yet this needs a
thorough knowledge of the
maintenance and diseases of
plants during the selection
process. It is not about hard
material organisation as that of
the architectural constructions.
(Fig. (6-1)

Figure 6-1: New Castle University Campus plaza; planting design to create
intimate spaces for users, within composition with the hard scape and
furniture, 2016. (Photo by the author)

Green (or Vegetation) within wind. The downfalls leading to

courtyard garden has private the courtyard gardens are of poor
planting areas, which are ventilation, heat buildup and poor
protected from the unstable illumination. Gardening in a
weather conditions, especially courtyard does not have to cost
131

an arm and a leg; there is a
variety of low-cost ways to
design a courtyard garden.
(Carter, 2010). Plants are
common in courtyards and may
be either informal plantings such
as flowers, vines and greenery, or
elegant designs with carefully
trimmed topiary, hedges and
formally arranged plantings. (Fig.
6-2)
Figure 6-2: Courtyard gardens do not
have to cost a lot to set up. (Carter,
2010)
6.2. Aspects of Achieving a designer’s plan, where the client
Unique Architectural
Design Using Plants
6.2.1. The Climate vacuumed project. Over-lapping
Plants are living organisms
that live and interact according to
the sovereign weather conditions;
as they change in color, textures
and character. For instance:
deciduous trees have four clear
132
Chapter 6
visual characteristics according to
seasonal climatic changes;
i- Spring flowers + lush green
foliage
ii- Summer: dark green foliage
iii- Fall: brightly colored foliage
iv- Winter: bare branches and
visible trunk
It should be noted that color
also change from a deciduous
plant to another. The continues
change in its visual character
makes it difficult, to select a plant
because it has to fit in the design
different times and seasons.
6.2.2. Environmental
Conditions
Knowingly, plants do
consume a wide time stretch to
reach their desired
manifestations; consequently, if
those plants are of very large
size, image of the site, they do
take up to 10 years to meet the
would be astonished and could
never make head nor tail of their
(multiple layers) is one way to
deal with this issue. Climate is
not the solely determining factor,
but other set of environmental
conditions for their growth are
craved:
Softscape “Planting” Design
• soil chemistry
• soil drainage
• wind exposure
• sun exposure
• temperature range.
Therefore, there is an urgent
need to study the site’s conditions
in order to determine appropriate
plants and their location.
6.2.3. Maintenance or semi-naturalistic-scheme, some
Plants require periodical
maintenance; irrigation, pruning,
fertilizing, pest control. This care
differs from one plant to another. It
increases when plants are imported
and exotic. The more logical plant
selection approach is to base the
selection on native plant materials.
This would save time and money.
Professional planting design is the
one requiring less maintenance. It
should be noted that ecological
planting strategies should be
planned to reduce affords of
maintenance; as
i- Using the indigenous flora.
ii- Designing and plant selection
with understanding of
vegetation succession in
natural plant community.
iii- Using plant grouping
techniques that promote water
efficiency.
iv- Designing with naturalistic
scheme and with multiple
layers and scales.
v- Encourage natural regeneration
of spontaneous vegetation on
site.
To reduce the extra
maintenance of the over-lapping
of plants use native plants and
spontaneous (naturalistic scheme)
notes, which should be considered
as follows:
i- As they are living organisms,
they must be catered for their
survival. Certain tribes in
Indonesia and American
Indian tribes forbid chopping
a living tree. Plants must be
saved from destruction by all
means due to their intrinsic
affiliation with humans.
ii- Plants incarnate nature in a
man-made environment;
especially in urban setting.
Plants give softness: as a
material and form.
Irregularity in its growth
habits is surprising.
6.3. Material
Plants must be chosen in
accordance with their nature,
traits and the care they need; as
each is created to survive put up
133

with weather conditions, rather
than the others. Courtyard
gardens are known for storing
any heat they take in for
prolonged periods of time, so this
needs to be brought on the table
during the planning stage.
(Carter, 2010)
Landscape architecture
courtyard design necessitates is
prolific understanding of the
characteristics of the material of
the plant in relation to its impact
on the surrounding environment
and the ecological background of
each.
• Types
• Size
• Form
• Color
• Texture
6.3.1. Types that offer distinctive foliage. Also,
Trees provide shade and are of
focal point within a courtyard.
One or two carefully chosen trees
can be a significant addition, but
it is important to consider how
much mess they produce for a
courtyard requires constant
upkeep may lose some of its
charm and appeal. Be sure to take
into account the mature size of
134
Chapter 6
the tree before making its
selection. (Quarters, 2011)
i- Trees and palms: Clearly
identified trunk +body of tree
• Large trees: diameter over
8 meters
• Canopy trees high enough
to form a ceiling, a head
cover, an enclosure
• Medium trees: 6-8 meters
in diameter
• Small trees: 4-6 meters in
diameter
For example, Ficus trees
(Ficusbenjamina) can be grown in
hot climate similar to that of the
Arabian Gulf Region, while
(Araucaria heterophylla) can be
grown also in harsh environment
conditions. Both are durable trees
for courtyard or indoor atriums
the yucca cane (Yucca
elephantipes), offers eye-catching
tropical blade-like leaf clusters.
One more for the need of having
palms, try the elegant, Wispy
parlor palm (Chamaedoreaelegans)
is suitable for the toughened
outdoors as well ( Tefft, 2009 )
(Figs. 6-3, 6-4, 6-5)
Softscape “Planting” Design

Palms and trees in composition Shrubs and trees in composition

UoB, Isa Town Campus, Bahrain Bahrain National Museum main entrance
Front yard, Bahrain
Figure 6-3: Trees and palms as one of planting types. (Photos by the author)

Figure 6-4: Palms type in nursery age.

Source: Catalogues of plants, Kingdom Projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain,
2017.

135
 Chapter 6

Figure 6-5: Trees type in different ages.

Source: Catalogues of plants, Kingdom Projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain,
2017.

ii- Shrubs • Branching starts at ground

In a similar fashion, the
amount of sunlight required by
plants needs is determined by the
nature of the place for the high
walls may be warm, but will
restrict the amount of sunlight
that gets inside. Over-planting
your garden may seem seductive
idea to fill your garden, but they
could eventually die due to
overcrowding and tangling of
roots. (Carter, 2010)
level.
• Height between 1-4 meters.
• Average height between 1-2
meters.
For example, there are some
shrubs with flowering plants;
compact and bushy; such as the
tropical succulent kalanchoe
(Kalanchoeblossfeldiana), that
yields lush bright red, pink,
orange, white or yellow blooms.
Kalanchoe thrives in the semi-

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Softscape “Planting” Design
shaded areas by taller atrium
plants. Bright Rieger begonias
(Begonia hybrid) with its profuse
yellow, white, red, pink or coral
blooms creates charming atrium
plants and thrives in full sunlight
or semi-shaded areas under taller
plants.
Hardy, non-flowering plants
provide added appeal in indoor
atriums. The silver spotted
aluminum plant (Pileacadierei), is
of hardy surface, yet it is an eye-
catching choice. Bird’s nest fern
(Asplenium nidus) is a bright
shade of chartreuse and is hardy
as well. The colorful croton
(Codiaeumvariegatum), with its
distinctive white, pink and green
leaves is also an intriguing option.
It is hardy outside. ( Tefft, 2009 )
Figure 6-6: Examples of shrubs. ( Tefft, 2009 )
The most intensely scented
plant in an indoor courtyard or
atrium, is the (Gardenia
jasminoides), which is grown in a
sunny or partially shaded area of
an atrium. Nourished with an
ample share of water and
nutrients, some gardenias, such
as “Miami Supreme” and
“Mystery,” grow up to 6 feet tall.
It climbs up and around in the
courtyard or atrium or through a
palm tree, plant a wild passion
vine (Passifloraincarnata), with
fragrant, 3-inch flowers in white
with purple and lime centers and
a ring of pink or purple filaments.
Passion vine will grow in either a
sunny spot in the atrium or in
partial shaded area. (Lundman,
2010) (Figs. 6-6, 6-7, 6-8)
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 Chapter 6

Shrubs composition with Shrubs in composition to emphasis Bahrain National

hardscape Museum main entrance Front yard, Bahrain.
UoB, Isa Town Campus,
Bahrain.
Figure 6-7: Shrubs as one of the planting types, Bahrain National Museum.
(Photos by the author)

Figure 6-8: Shrubs species.

Source: Catalogues of plants, Kingdom Projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain, 2017.

iii- Ground cover • Individual plants; typically 25-

• Climbing plants; like vines. 40 cm in diameter.
Linear in shape. • They are 5-10 cm tall. (Figs. 6-
9, 6-10)

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Softscape “Planting” Design

Ground cover in relation with shrubs within hard scape

Bahrain national Theater, Bahrain.
Figure 6-9: Ground cover as one of planting types, Bahrain National Theater.
(Photos by the author)

Figure 6-10: Ground cover species.

Source: Catalogues of plants, Kingdom Projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain, 2017.

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 Chapter 6
iv- Climbers species (Fig. 6-11)

Figure 6-11: Climbers species.

Source: Catalogues of plants, Kingdom Projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain,
2017.

140
Softscape “Planting” Design
v- Grass species • Their height is usually
• Seeds individually grow to controlled to 5 cm. (Fig. 6-12)
form a carpet-like surface.

Figure 6-12: Grass species.

Source: Catalogues of plants, kingdom projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain.

vi- Desert plant species • Small branching structure.

• Minimum leaves. (Fig. 6-13)
• Small leaves.

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 Chapter 6

Figure 6-13: Desert plant species.

Source: Catalogues of plants, kingdom projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain.

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Softscape “Planting” Design
vii-Herbs (Fig. 6-14)

Figure 6-14: Herbs.

Source: Catalogues of plants, Kingdom Projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain,
2017.

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 Chapter 6
6.3.2. Size (Figs. 6-15, 6-16)
Plant material’s common sizes
vary as follows:
i- Large and intermediate
• Good for spatial definition.
• Shading.
• Dominant element.
• Creation of canopies.
Large shade trees should be
located on SW, W, NW side of Figure 6-15: Large scale shade trees
building and outdoor spaces to according to site location and
screen the hot afternoon sun. orientation. (Booth, 1990)

Figure 6-16: Large tree functions as dominant element in a small courtyard

garden space.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

Based on size, large trees can among other plant material. (Fig.
function as dominant element 6-17)

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Softscape “Planting” Design

Figure 6-17: Trees play as fence.

Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

ii- Small trees • Trunk as foreground to focal

• Define spaces with less point.
enclosure. • Focal point if ornamental.
(Figs. 6-18, 6-19, 6-20)

Figure 6-18: Ornamental tree used as a focal point in a plant composition.

Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

Figure 6-19: Trunks of small trees act as foreground to focal point.

Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

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 Chapter 6

Figure 6-20: Ornamental trees act as accents for garden space and act as
tractors for entrance.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by Fatima Mejbil)

iii- Tall shrubs (3-4.5 m) • Has interesting visual

• Shorter than small trees.
• No canopy.
• They enclose space and give
upward direction.
• Direct movement towards a
focal point.
• Can be used for screening and
privacy.
• Can provide contrast visually
with other plant materials or
provide natural background.
• Delineate spaces.
appearance when it interface
with grass or pavement.
• Define non-walking area.
• Establish a background for
other elements, plants etc.
• A linkage between different
plant materials.
• Provide green cover where
grass is not practical (steep
slope, avoid extra irrigation).
(Figs. 6-21 to 6-24)

Figure 6-21: Tall shrubs can function as builders and direct views to desired
points in designing courtyard.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

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Softscape “Planting” Design

Figure 6-22: Owing to their relative height, tall shrubs act as accents and fences.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

Figure 6-23: Tall shrubs serve as a background to an accent in the foreground.

(Booth, 1990)

Figure 6-24: Tall shrubs enclose space in vertical plants but allow a view
skywards.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

iv- Medium shrubs (1-2 m) • Act as transitional plant

• Similar height. between small trees, tall shrubs
and low shrubs. (Fig. 6-25)

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 Chapter 6

Figure 6-25: Medium shrubs in Sheikh Khalefa Park, Bahrain. (Photo by the
author)

v- Low shrubs (1m or less) • Can connect visually different

• Appear to be higher when
ground cover is low.
• Act as space definer without
separation or isolation.
• It can control physical movement
along sidewalks without limiting
visual continuity.
groups of plants.
• They should be used as groups
of meaningful locations and
not in too many groups. So as
not to lose their power
functionally and visually.
(Figs. 6-26, 6-27, 7-28)

Small shrubs placed in Composition in split, reads as two separate groups

too many separate groups

Small shrubs are properly Small shrubs visually link two sides of composition into
massed in larger groups one unified whole
Figure 6-26: Shrubs in composition with different hard materials. (Booth, 1990)

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Softscape “Planting” Design

Figure 6-27: Low and mid height shrubs application in Sheikh Khalefa Park,
Bahrain. (Photo by the author)

Figure 6-28: Gethsemane Lutheran Church Seattle, WA, USA. (Photos by Jim
Olson, Design Principal)

vi- Ground cover between lawn and ground cover.

A line is created by edge (Figs. 6-29 to 6-35)

Figure 6-29: Line between lawn and ground Figure 6-30: Lawn and ground
cover captivates the eye and leads it around a cover captivates the eye within
space. (Booth, 1990) courtyard.

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 Chapter 6

Two groups of plants are visually Groups cover unifies group of plants
unrelated, composition is split into one composition

Figure 6-31: Ground-covering courtyard in composition with different hard

materials (University of Bahrain and Amwaj).
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photos (by the author)

Figure 6-32: Grass, as green carpet in composition with different landscape

elements. (Photos by the author)

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Softscape “Planting” Design

Varying form and value, but with same size, little visual interest

Varying form, value, and size (silhouette); more visual interest

Figure 6-33: Composition between Ground cover varying form, value, and size.
(Booth, 1990)

Figure 6-34: Using ground cover and Figure 6-35: Ground cover as green
shrubs to emphasize circulation. carpet leads to shrubs green fence.

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 Chapter 6
6.3.3. Plant material’s form (Figs. 6-36 to 6-39

Rounded forms should predominate in a composition

Pyramidal form used as an accent among rounded and spreading forms

Figure 6-36: Plant material’s form in different shapes of shrubs had. (Booth,
1990)

Figure 6-37: Plant material’s form in different shapes of shrubs had been used
to emphasize building gates and to split function between school courtyard and
classes. (School, Bahrain, by Meral)

Fastigiate Columnar Spreading Rounded

Pyramidal Weeping Picturesque

Figure 6-38: Plant material’s form. (Booth, 1990)

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Softscape “Planting” Design

Spreading forms give a composition a Spreading plants forms carry horizontal

feeling of breadth lines of building into site

Weeping plant forms used to “drip” Fastigiate and columnar forms used to
down a wall or return the eye to the provide heights and accent in a
ground composition
Figure 6-39: Plant forms in different application. (Booth, 1990)

6.3.4. Plant Colour (Figs. 6-40 to 6-44)

Use of dark foliage as a base for light

foliage and branches overhead

Figure 6-40: Dark foliage plants Figure 6-41: Light Foliage plants
“Move Towards” viewer. “Move Away” from viewer.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by
Meral) Meral)

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 Chapter 6

Dark foliage plant used as a background to other lighter plant material

Figure 6-42: Plant colour effects. (Booth, 1990)

Figure 6-43: Effects of plant colour which reflect joy and happiness.

Figure 6-44: Plants colour as mass. (Photo by T. Al Rawaf)

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Softscape “Planting” Design
According to leaf coloring,
trees are divided in two types:
• Evergreen: trees that kept their
green color
Figure 6-45: Evergreen are too
scattered & therefore visually break
up composition.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by
T. Al Rawaf)
• Deciduous: trees that their
leaves get colored during the
fall. (Figs. 6-45 to 6-52)
Figure 6-46: Evergreen are clustered
together to unify composition.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by
T. Al Rawaf)
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 Chapter 6

Deciduous branches are made more Evergreen trees may be used to screen
visible when seen against an evergreen objectionable views in all seasons
background

Figure 6-47: Evergreen trees placed on northwest side of building to block cold
NW winter wind and Dust winds that come from west direction.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by T. Al Rawaf)

Figure 6-48: Different species of Figure 6-49: All deciduous planting

deciduous trees create habits of
growth and appearances in the winter
season.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by
T. Al Rawaf)
has no visual weight and “Disappears”
in the winter seasons.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by
T. Al Rawaf)

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Softscape “Planting” Design

Figure 6-50: All evergreen planning is Figure 6-51: Planting composition

too visually heavy and has no seasonal should contain a combination of
variety. (Booth, 1990) deciduous and evergreen plants. (Booth,
1990)

Figure 6-52: Deciduous: trees that their leaves get coloured during the fall.
(Photos by T. Al Rawaf)

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 Chapter 6
6.3.5. Texture
(Figs. 6-53 to 6-56)

Coarse texture

Fine texture

Texture in composison

Medium texture

Figure 6-53: Texture in composition.

Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photo (by the author)

Figure 6-54: Fine texture.

Source: Kingdom Projects WLL Qurrayah Nursery, Bahrain, 2017.

158
Softscape “Planting” Design

Figure 6-55: Plantation as solitary tree. (Photos by T. Al Rawaf)

Figure 6-56: Coarse texture plant material “Love Toward” viewer while fine
textured ones “Move Away”.
Source: Figure (Booth, 1990), Photos (by T. Al Rawaf)

6.4. Conclusion to a home or another building,

A courtyard is an area that is often near the front door. It
typically enclosed and is adjacent creates a private outdoor space
for relaxation, either alone or
159

with friends. In much of the Bay
Area, a courtyard is usable most
of the year, especially if it blocks
the wind and offers shelter away
from the sunlight in hot days. A
well-designed courtyard does not
only create a pleasant spot for
relaxation, it can also add value
and curb appeal to a home. The
courtyard can employ a formal,
elegant design or a relaxed,
casual atmosphere, but regardless
of the style, all courtyards tend to
have certain features in common
(Quarters, 2011)
People in general have a thing
for plants, where some consider
worth of pride. Regardless of the
space beforehand, one of these
small areas to your home can be
added.
Plant investment is pretty
successful, especially if they
received an avid care and
periodical maintenance.
Hereafter, some tips would be
enlisted to secure such an
investment,
Since the courtyard plants will
always be on display and may be
the focal point of a house or
entrance, use specimens that are
native or adept to the named
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Chapter 6
region. Preferably, choose
something that is of low
maintenance affords; to get
sparred of losing a fortune, wide
intervals of time; trimming and
maintaining, and serenity using
power tools like hedge trimmers
or leaf blowers in an area so close
to your indoor living space.
Consider using the courtyard's
walls for trelliswork and growing
vines. This can help avoiding that
bare and unfavourable look
resented by landlords.
Courtyard plants and trees
must be planted in sterile potting
mixes made specifically within
our emphases for indoor
container gardens. If there is a
plan to rotate courtyard plants in
and out of doors during the
growing season, replace this mix
before bringing the plants back
into the courtyard, so any insects
that decided to set up camp
remain outdoors. Provide
adequate drainage at the bottom
of all plant containers. Tropical
plants and trees do not ripe in wet
roots. Finally, many tropical
plants are toxic if ingested, so
keep it out of children reach.
( Tefft, 2009 ) (Fig. 6-57)
Softscape “Planting” Design

Figure 6-57: Plants in composition within courtyards, Florida Mall, USA.

(Photos by T. Al Rawaf)

If place like home or office plants in a desert locale will not

has an indoor courtyard, or with
an atrium (enclosed area with a
skylight), more exotic tropical
plants can be hosted, otherwise it
should thrive outdoors. Certain
varieties of tropical plants and
trees thrive in indoor atriums and
can be used to create a serene and
cherished sun-kissed paradise.
( Tefft, 2009 )
Landscaping is not a 2015)
haphazard process; however,
carefully planned and selected
plants that look natural in their
setting can really enforce
revitalization, or drive to a
favorite vacation spot. Everybody
needs to step outside every day to
a yard that reminded them of that
trip to Maui, Tahiti or Sedona.
The key is to choose plants that
are adapted to the environment in
which they live: dying tropical
recall the sense Pan-Arabism. Mix
natives of the region with trees,
shrubs, vines and perennials that
are adapted to the climate --
usually something that can be
found at the local nursery or
botanical garden shop. Consult a
landscape designer, garden store
employee or the local university's
master gardener program. (Taylor,
A term that goes hand in hand
with courtyards is planting.
Modern day courtyards often
serve as a medium to bring in
nature within the man-made
structure. Planting and courtyards
when integrated, it creates entire
indoor environments that are
stimulating and refreshing.
Interior planting refers to live
foliage or greenery incorporated
within an interior space. Interior

161
 Chapter 6
planting or interior landscaping other areas in which it benefits
not only serves an aesthetic the space.
purpose, but also has various

Figure 6-58: A courtyard with variety of plants. (Taylor, 2015)

Points for Further Studies:

Analyzing “soft scape design” in

courtyard respecting type of building
according to:
Climate and environment
Function
Characteristics
Advantage of using courtyard in
this building
findings

162
7. Ch7:

W all finishing in courtyard

Wall Finishing in Courtyard

7.1. Overview b. Saving energy

Location, reasons, users and A green wall can reduce
doers are the main factors temperature of the place it
dictating wall finishing in encloses it by as much as 2.0°C
courtyard design. (depending its direction), which
also results in significant air
7.2. Definition of Green
conditioning savings.
Wall
Reduction of thermal warming
Green wall is a wall, either
free-standing or a sidewall of an in buildings – lower heating and
edifice that is partially or cooling costs = lessen carbon
emissions.
completely covered up with
vegetation using soil or an c. Heat island mitigation
inorganic growing medium. Natural air conditioners for
7.2.1. Advantages of the our cities like heat Islands are a
Green Wall weather phenomenon caused by
a. Protection the centralized heat produced by
our cities through vehicle
For instance, heat, UV ray
exhaust, air conditioners, and
protection are the most significant
massive quantities of heat-
effect that green walls provide a
absorbing asphalt and concrete.
building protection. Building
protection is primarily produced by Green Walls directly reduce
reducing temperature fluctuations this effect. When moisture
of the building envelope. evaporates from greenery, there is
Decreased temperature a significant amount of heat
fluctuations reduce the expansion consumed in the evaporation
and contraction of building process. Indirectly, green roofs and
materials. Furthermore, green walls reduce A/C requirements in
roofs and walls also shield the buildings reducing energy
building envelope from ultra-violet consumption and heat production.
rays and acidic rain. By reducing d. Health and wellness
cracking and carbonization of the
City life conquers its
building envelope, the buildings
inhabitants physiologically and
durability is improved and its
psychologically. These pressures
service-life extended.
165

can be diminished if mental and
physical relaxation facilities are
offered. Natural greenery provides
a spiritual and physical connection
to nature. It seems to absorb the
stressful and volatile components
of our cities promoting our health
and wellness.
For example, there are several
studies showing, that hospital
patients who have been in rooms
with a clear sight of fully
blooming trees have required less
pain relief drugs and recovered
more quickly than patients who
were in direct sight of concrete
walls.
e. Clean air and CO2 fixation
A 10m2 green wall = a 13-
foot-high tree; photosynthesis
consumes CO2 and releases O2,
but this process also works in
reverse. The total amount of CO2
consumed by a plant compared to
the total amount of O2 produced
by a plant, provided that the plant
is healthy and does not die
quickly, the CO2 consumption
value is usually higher. For
example, if kept in good health
and maintained properly, while a
10m2 of G-SKY extensive green
roof consumes approximately the
same amount of CO2 as a 13-
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Chapter 7
foot-high tree per year. Extensive
green roofs also consume trace
amounts of Nitrous Oxide and
Sulphur Dioxide. Airpurification
plants are efficient filters of
pollution – especially indoors.
f. Sound insulation
Buffer noise and vibration;
surrounds the inhabitants by
noise and vibrations. Reducing
that sound pollution is a topic of
serious contention. Green walls
provide a noise buffer, which
significantly reduces the outside
noise and vibration inside our
homes and workplaces; noise
attenuation results in quieter
buildings and streets.
g. Habitat restoration
Natural habitats are
disappearing at an alarming rate,
and habitat loss is the number
one threat to wildlife today, green
roofs and walls are part of the
solution, to help restore habitat
rate. By carefully choosing and
planting attractive plant species, a
green roof or wall will attract
birds and butterflies.
A Green wall can be designed,
to provide the ideal conditions for
birds and butterflies to survive. It
can provide:
Wall Finishing in Courtyard
• food,
• a water supply,
• cover/protection,
• places to bear and raise
offspring,
• Increased urban biomass –
more greenery increases all
of the above, and
• ecological habitat increased
even among native plant
species.
h. Educational benefits
Knowledge is power; green
walls are the perfect tools, to
learn about the environment. The
upcoming generation needs to
learn about the current
environmental concerns, and the
way to address them. Problems
like the Heat Island Effect,
Global Warming, CO2 reduction
in cities are all addressed by
green roofs and walls.
Just a few of the topics that
Green Roofs and Walls may be
used for in education are:
• Ecological Observation.
• Growing Plants and
Vegetables.
• Identifying the Protection of
Buildings.
i. Promoting green features
There are many green features
being recently incorporated in
buildings to grab the clients’
attention. However, very few of
them are visible to potential
customers. A Green wall is a
highly visible feature, that
connects environmental
friendliness with a product or
service without need for further
explanation.
Green Walls are highly
effective marketing tools. For
example, they can be designed
to grow into a company logo,
the likeness of a team mascot or
character for an exhibition. This
detailed design flexibility
allows almost any type of
designs to be reflected in plants;
termed as positive urban
psychology, and uplifting effect
on those who see it.
j. Increase of property value
Landscape features are of high
value; it has been proven, that
quality landscaping and
landscape amenities add 15% to
20% to the value of a certain
building. In commercial and
residential applications, a Green
wall is but a significant addition.
It is a relaxing quiet place to take
break from work, a place for
customers to relax while
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 Chapter 7
shopping, somewhere or to sit park in the centre of the city be
and read a book watch the sunset. worth to you? (Fig. 7-1)
What would a private and safe

Figure 7-1: Green wall benefits for buildings. (Anon., 2018)

7.2.2. Categories of Green rooftops. Green façades can be

wall attached to existing walls or built
There are two major as freestanding structures.
categories: b. Living walls
a. Green façades.
Walls (also called bio-walls,
b. Living walls.
“mur” vegetal, or vertical
a. Green façades gardens) are composed of pre-
Green façades are wall vegetated panels or integrated
systems, where climbing plants fabric systems that are affixed to
or cascading groundcovers are a structural wall or frame.
trained to cover especially for Modular panels can be comprised
supported design structures. Plant of polypropylene plastic
materials can be rooted in the containers, geo textiles,
base of the structures, in irrigation, and growing medium
intermediate planters, or on and vegetation. (Fig 7-2)

168
Wall Finishing in Courtyard

Figure 7-2: Ideas of using green wall within courtyard of commercial complex.
(Busby, 2014)

7.3. What are the be realized.

components of green • Horticultural rockwool has the
walls? ability, if used properly, to
a. Structural frame.
b. Plant growing medium.
c. Irrigation system.
d. Plants.
a. Structural frame
Stainless steel frames are used
in supporting walls. It should be
noted that these frames should be
at a distance, to avoid the
negative impact of water vapor
evaporating from plants on the
green wall.
b. Plant growing medium
• Hydroponics system integrated
into each modular panel
allowing the full potential of
the qualities of the material to
absorb and maintain %80
liquid by volume whilst still
leaving %15 air pockets.
Benefits enable to use minimal
quantities of irrigation water.
• With little or no run-of.
• Still gives the plants the perfect
environment. (Figs. 7-3, 7-4)
c. Irrigation system
Controlled irrigation system
delivers the right amount of water
to each section of the wall by
means of:
• Regulated pressure
compensated drippers.
• Moisture meters. (Fig. 7-5)
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 Chapter 7

Figure 7-3: Plant growing medium. (Anon., 2018)

Figure 7-4: Plant growing medium. (Anon., 2018)

Figure 7-5: Vertical drip irrigation system. (Anon., 2018)

170
Wall Finishing in Courtyard
d. Plants 3. colour,
Living walls are comprised of 4. texture,
a variety of plants in pre- 5. rates of propagation,
vegetated panels grown in 6. system of rooting,
greenhouses and assembled for 7. types,
four to six months later on a frame 8. ground covers, ferns, low
attached to a structural wall. shrubs, perennial flowers,
and edible plants, and
Species are usually selected 9. pre-vegetated living walls
according to their; offer an instant green wall
1. tolerance of growing system, for immediate impact.
2. site-specific environmental (Fig. 7-6)
conditions,

Figure 7-6: The best plant types to use for green walls. (Irwin, 2008)

7.3.1. How are green walls iii- At last they get jet off their
installed and vertical mounting
maintained? iv- This process takes place in
Insulation mechanism is waterproof membrane.
explicated as follows: v- One month prior, water
supply and power supply for
i- Pre-grown panels for living
an automatic drip irrigation
walls require a lead time of 6-
system should be connected.
12 months.
vi- The growing medium within
ii- They are grown first as points
the panels should be fully
and to fill in the panels
saturated once a day during
horizontally.
the first week after
installation. (Figs. 7-7, 7-8)
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 Chapter 7

Figure 7-7: Maintenance. (Anon., 2018)

Figure 7-8: Green walls installed and maintained. (Saurabh, 2010)

7.3.2. Do green walls attract vegetation, to discourage shelter

unwanted pests, or nesting sites for birds. Any
insects, and birds? excessive growth or dead wood
As for both green façades and should be removed, and stagnant
living walls, climbing plants can water should be avoided. A
be selected devoid of fruit or any continuous gravel strip at the
source of nutrition. Also, base of the building is
property managers prefer cropped recommended. (Figs. 7-9, 7-10)

172
Wall Finishing in Courtyard

Figure 7-9: Attract unwanted pests, insects, and birds, BHM International
Airport Location: Birmingham, Alabama, USA. (Anon., 2011)

Figure 7-10: Green mounds, a typical feature in the Al Maryah, feature patches
of plants of different colors and textures. Species such as the Golden Ice Plant
Lampranthus, which has bright orange flowers, are planted next to the Purple Lady
Iresine, which features small purple foliage. (Abu Dhabi plaza, Photo by Martha
Schwartz)

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 Chapter 7

Points for Further Studies:

Searching for the high technology of

special topics affecting and are affected
by the courtyard which is related to one
of the followings topics:
Climate and environment
Function
Characteristics
Advantage of using courtyard in
this building
findings

174
8. Ch 8:

S pace Furnishings, Lighting and

Services in Courtyard
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard

8.1.Overview of the courtyard when the colors

Location, reasons, doers and and patterns fit in with the rest of
users are dictate courtyard the design. Even a very small
furnishings. courtyard usually has room for a
chair or two, or perhaps a small
8.2.Space Furnishings swinging bench. (Quarters, 2011)
Select outdoor furniture that is 8.2.2. Lounge Chairs
weatherproof, to withstand the
Seating is one thing, but
environmental elements, even
lounge chairs, loungers or chaise
though it will be protected within
lounges do allow people, to
four walls or sliding glass doors.
stretch out and relax, whether it is
Colors of upholstery, cushions
under an umbrella, by a
and pillows look perfect if
swimming pool, on a deck, or
repeated indoors. The same goes
even on the balcony of a high-rise
for the furniture style. Mid-
apartment building. (Fig. 8-1)
century modern, contemporary,
or rustic, etc, should be restored 8.2.3. Umbrellas and Shading
in the atrium. Devices
8.2.1. Seating Surely, an umbrella provides
much-needed shade. But the sight
In most cases, courtyard
of one conjures up images of a
contains some type of seating,
vacation at a resort, on a sandy
often accompanied by a table
shore or next to a pool. There is
suitable for outdoor dining. The
something about its round
seating style should fit in with the
projected shape superior to the
overall design of the courtyard
other pieces of outdoor furniture,
and with the design of the home.
to create an inviting environment,
Common choices for seating
beckoning residents, to sit under
include wood, wicker and
its colorful form (or patterned or
wrought iron. Large,
striped) and relax, maybe sip a
weatherproof cushions can add
cocktail or icy beverage. (Figs. 8-
comfort to the seating and
2, 8-3, 8-4)
enhance the overall appearance

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Sculptural Etazin lounge chairs are MIT SOFT Rockers: Solar-Powered Charging
surrounded by spinning rings Stations Double as Lounge Chairs. (Photo by
Etazin-lounge-chair. (Photo by Yuka Yoneda)
Inhabitat)
Figure 8-1: Lounge Chairs.

Figure 8-2: Umbrellas add visual interest to a yard. (Photo by Getty Images)

Figure 8-3: Boston Tree pods, Solar Figure 8-4: Decorative gazebo within
shading devices. (Photo by Lori the middle of courtyard. (Photo by T Al
Zimmer) Rawaf)

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Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
8.2.4. Boardwalk look around for unused items,
Not all courtyard gardens are that can hold soil. Drill drainage
large enough to have an area of holes in the bottoms of the
grass, and paving the courtyard is containers, and paint the outside
expensive unless the materials to disguise the containers. Plant
are available. Create a wooden the containers, and group them
boardwalk by recycling discarded around the courtyard. Take
pallets. Pull the pallets apart and advantage of vertical growing
remove the nails. Sand the boards space by hanging some of them
and screw them together to form on the courtyard walls. (Carter,
a square or rectangle large 2010) (Fig. 8-6)
enough to set up patio furniture
or a picnic table. Finish the
boardwalk by painting it with
weatherproofing stain. (Carter,
2010) (Fig. 8-5)
8.2.5. Containers
Many courtyards do not have
soil to be planted, so plant pots
Figure 8-5: Wood work to cover
would be the only option. Instead walkways or part of the courtyards.
of buying expensive containers, (Photo by T Al Rawaf)

Figure 8-6: Containers do not have soil to plant in. (Photos by T Al Rawaf)

8.2.6. Planting Beds located in the center of

Unlike an entrance courtyard courtyards, with paths (the
or garden, planting beds can be flooring or surface) around or

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between them. Small beds can
also be situated in corners, and
balanced with plants in
containers in other corners or
areas, that would not interrupt the
flow of traffic. When designing,
always leave space for an access
to the building (adjoining rooms)
and the main entrances.
Take advantage of free plants
available to fill the courtyard
garden. Ask friends and family
Figure 8-7: Planting beds. (Photos by T Al Rawaf)
8.3.Water Feature
An ideal model consists of a
large water feature for cooling
purposes, to exercise all daily
activities in ultimate privacy. In
cases of poor budget or space,
consider these other water
features:
• Garden pond,
• Wading pool,
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Chapter 8
members for cuttings of their
landscape plants, particularly those
varieties that thrive only in partial
sunlit. Remember to propagate
plants that already need help fill in
the courtyard. Place them in trays
of rooting soil until roots form and
they are large enough to be
transplanted into individual
containers. Also consider trading
plant cuttings with friends. (Carter,
2010) (Fig. 8-7)
• Hot tub or spa,
• Swimming pool,
• Water body,
• Artificial lacks,
• Koi pond,
• Fountain,
• Birdbath,
• Swimming bath. (Figs. 8-8,
8-9, 8-10)
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard

Figure 8-8: Large water feature. (Photos by T Al Rawaf)

Figure 8-9: Nature live for fish within water feature. (Photos by T Al Rawaf)

Figure 8-10: A beautiful lily pond. Lisa Hallett Taylor

8.3.1. Swimming Pools freestanding construction or as

It is a structure designed to
hold water for swimming or other
leisure activities. Pools can be
built into the ground (in-ground
pools) or built above ground (as a
part of a building or other larger
structure), and are also a standard
feature aboard ocean liners and
cruise ships. In-ground pools are
most commonly constructed from

181

solid materials; such as concrete,
natural stone, metal, plastic or
fiberglass, and it can be of a
customized size and shape or
built to as its standardized size,
the largest of which is the
Olympic-size swimming pool.
High-tech covers make space
conversion easy – at the touch of
a button. Swimming pools
Chapter 8
quickly convert to dance floors,
banquet centres, or basketball
courts in less than 5 minutes.
Covers are manufactured with
channels made from aluminum or
other materials, that span the
width of the pool. Panels vary in
thickness depending on the span
and load-bearing requirements.
(Figs. 8-11, 8-12)

Figure 8-11: Different shapes of swimming pools within residential courtyard.

Figure 8-12: High-tech covers make space conversion easy.

8.3.2. Artificial Lake standard sizes; the largest and the

Artificial lake, is an deepest. A lake can be built
artificially enclosed body of either above or in the ground,
water intended for relaxation and using materials; such as metal,
it is water-based. There are many plastic or concrete. (Fig. 8-13)

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Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard

Figure 8-13: Artificial Lake composition with fountain and lighting. (Photos by
dogpile.com)

8.3.3. Water Fountain other styles of freestanding

How to Choose a Garden
Water Fountain?
a- Cost: Installing a water
fountain in a garden can be as
inexpensive as a fifty-dollar
package from the previously
installed local garden store,
all the way up to custom-
made sculptures that cost
thousands of dollars.
b- Style: Owning a pet, requires
a wall fountain or a
freestanding fountain on a
pedestal. Freestanding
fountains can be found in a
much broader range of styles.
There is the classic fountain,
also known as a bowl
fountain. There are also many
fountains, especially if one is
interested in a fountain that is
as much a sculpture as a
fountain.
c- Material: The least expensive
option is resin, which is of a
very low maintenance affords
and light-weighted. Concrete
is another option. Cast stone
is the most expensive option,
and is also the heaviest.
Achieving the look of a cast
stone one, but not its price
tag, a fountain with a cast
stone finish over a fiberglass
base would do it all. There are
also fountains made from
wood and copper.

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d- Maintenance: Concrete and
cast stone fountains need to be
completely dry if they are left
outdoors during winter,
remaining moisture will
expand when it gets frozen
and cause tiny cracks in the
fountain. Fiberglass fountains
Freestanding fountain Wall fountain
Figure 8-14: Fountains in courtyards. (Photos by Pinterest)
8.3.4. Types of Fountains fountains have just one single jet,
a- Animated exclusive
fountains
An animated fountain or a
moving one changes its operation
over time. This animated fountain
is a single jet, that changes its
height to 3 different stages, when
the final stage is reached it starts
all over again, Also when it is
dark it is lit in turn by 3 colored
lights, each color is used in turn.
The jet height is approximately
1.5 meters. Not all animated
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Chapter 8
also need to be entirely dry. If
water remains in the plumbing
and a pipe bursts, it will quite
likely break the fountain.
They are usually light enough;
consequently, they can easily
be moved indoors during
winter. (Fig. 8-14)
Sculpture as a Bowl fountain
fountain.
there are supplied ones that have 4
jets that "run in sequence" around
the pool. (Figs. 8-15, 8-16)
b- Large fountain design layout
In a paper entitled, Long
Island Fountain Company
Commercial and residential
fountains, water features and
pond supplies, published by LI
Fountain Company in (2017),
It asserted that fountains
should consist of:
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard

Figure 8-15: Animated exclusive fountains. (Photos by Pinterest)

Figure 8-16: Falls River Square, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (2003). (Photo by Mike
Carder, GGE Engineers)

185

i- Pump Section
• Water is supplied to the pool
by a main line and inlet.
• This inlet is controlled by a
gate valve for initial filling of
the pool, termed as a
centrifugal end pump.
• It recirculates water through a
butterfly valve for adjustment.
• A jet pours the water contained
in the pool and returned to the
pump via an anti-vortex plate.
• A butterfly isolation valve and
a strainer must be there to
eliminate the coarse material
for the protection of the pump.
ii- Filter Section
• The water is filtered by a sand
filter consisting of a self-
priming pump independent
from the main fountain group.
• Water is returned through a
gate isolation valve through
adjustable inlets (10), which
can be directed to create
turbulence in desired areas.
• Water is returned to the filters
via an anti-vortex plate surface
skimmer and a vacuum fitting.
• These are connected to a
manifold.
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Chapter 8
• These lines each have isolation
gate valves.
• The manifold is connected to
the strainer on a small self-
priming pump, which
recirculates the water from the
pool through the filter.
• Chemical addition is
accomplished by use of a small
metering pump, and tank to
supply hypochlorite solution.
• An overflow drain is set to
eliminate rainwater, etc., to
prevent overflow. The upper
section can be unscrewed to
drain the pool.
iii- Electrical Control Section
• An electric water makeup
control replaces water lost to
evaporation, splashing, etc.
• This sensor and control actuate
a solenoid valve on the main
water line to maintain water
level and cuts off electrical
power to lighting fixtures if
they are not immersed.
• A wind control monitors wind
conditions and can shut down
or reduce the flow to the jet at
preset wind conditions.
• The underwater lighting fixture
is a base mounted not
connected to an underwater
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
junction box by underwater
cable.
• The junction box is conduit-
connected to the control box,
and completely potted to
prevent leakage.
• This light is controlled by a
timer or sequencer.
Figure 8-17: Large fountain design layout. (LI Fountain Company, 2017)
c- Small fountain design layout
1. Water from the main opening
enters through a manually
operated gate valve and inlet.
2. The submersible pump
recirculates the pond water
through the effect and its self-
contained filter screen.
• The main control box houses
the timers, light controls, water
makeup and wind controls.
• In addition, it is the center for
power distribution to various
components and contains
circuit breakers, fuses, motor
starters, etc. (LI Fountain
Company, 2017) (Fig. 8-17)
3. A small ball valve provides
manual control for the effect
height.
4. The jet head for the effect is
base mounted.
5. A water makeup unit consists
of a sensor, solenoid actuated
valve, and control circuitry to
add water lost by evaporation.
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This is set to maintain levels
between two depths. Simple
float valves are also available
for this.
6. A low water cutoff (LWC-1)
senses the water level and
turns power off when the
underwater lights are not
submerged. A number of
lights may be protected by this
unit. Some underwater lights
have self-contained LWC's.
7. The underwater lights are
base mounted, and wired into
Chapter 8
an underwater junction box
with the pump.
8. The junction box is conduit
connected to the control box,
which contains the timer for
pump control and the lighting
controls.
9. Overflow drain removes rain
or excess water; may also be
unscrewed to drain pool. (Fig.
8-18) (LI Fountain Company,
2017)

Figure 8-18: Small fountain design layout. (LI Fountain Company, 2017)

8.3.5. Finishing Materials of all water features that are made

Water Features of concrete, adversely, concrete
Extreme and rapid changes in has a natural and inherent
temperature and humidity affect tendency, to expand and contract

188
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
with changes in climate
conditions. Decorative ceramic
tiles, mosaic, stone, and glazing
materials are the mostly poignant
Figure 8-19: Finishing materials of water features. (Photos by Al Rashed
Company Catalogue)
8.4.Lighting Design
Landscape lighting can be the
thing that takes your backyard
from basic to bling, but
undertaking a lighting plan for
your yard can be an intimidating
project. Nevertheless, have no
fear, as this need not be the case.
Lighting is divided into natural
and artificial. each part will be
illustrated briefly as follows:
a. Natural Lighting
Court allows natural lighting
without bringing in the outside
glare or the haze. Sunbeams are
received on the side walls of the
court shaft and reflected diffused
light illuminates the space cutting
out the glare. This is why
proportion of a courtyard is
important. As explained in
chapter 4 height-to-width ratio of
the court is very critical in the
finishing materials of water
features that are characterized by
its durability, easy cleanliness
and attractiveness. (Fig. 8-19)
environmental management of
the house. Cubical proportion
courts with heights same as the
width or taller up to three times
its width are found efficient with
respect to mutual shading of the
sunlit zones. Too tall courts
remain like shafts and lose their
scale to afford sense of outdoor
space and effective management
of light and air. Too shallow
courts also do not perform
climatically; as they lose control
on the system of sun shading
with higher ingress of direct
sunrays within in a hot dry
climate. This is why every
aperture within built fabric or
every house with a hole is not
qualified to be the courtyard.
Court is an integral system of
built, of light, air, sun and
vegetation.
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 Chapter 8
b. Artificial Lighting ii. Security for terms of:
Why to light outdoor spaces? • Lighting places where
The answer come in the following people could hide
major points, which are: • Deter prowlers
i. Safety: for terms of: • Creates a feeling of
• To allow outdoor places to comfort for guests
be used at night • Using high technology such
• Lighting the steps and paths as remote controls and
smart phones to control
• Special attention to where
landscape lighting for
the shadows will fall
security purposes. (Figure
• Lighting from the side or 8-20). (Alergia, 2011)
from below to make sure
shadows don't obscure vision.

Figure 8-20: Lighting for purpose of safety and security. (Photos by the author)

iii. Create artistic scenes/ • A more relaxing

Aesthetics: artificial lighting
in courtyard provides:
• Artistic effects that are
possible with creative
lighting
• Variety of techniques and
fixtures can work together
to paint a breath-taking
night time scene
environment with
romantic emotions place.
• It plays significant rule in
adding decorative touch
in designing landscape
architecture in courtyards
(Torgersrud, 2018).
(Figure 8-21).

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Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard

Figure 8-21: Lighting for purpose of creating artistic scenes/Aesthetics. (Photos

by the author)

8.4.1. Design Consideration a- Any cables should be hidden

for Lighting Courtyard from plain view as much as
For design consideration,
designers regularly using lighting
enabling using the courtyard at
night. Moreover, use to highlight
particular plants or features.
artificial lighting to enhance the
courtyard life (Figure 8-22).
Figure 8-22: Hidden lighting for
stairs and garden beds. (Cohen, 2010)
Meanwhile lighting design of
a courtyard, there are some
consideration should be taken; as
follows:
possible, but be careful that
they are not placed in a
position where anyone is
likely to dig.
b- Removable shade cloth panels
can be used over parts of a
courtyard to provide summer
shade. Secateurs are an
important tool for maintaining
courtyard gardens. One or two
plants let lose can quickly
outgrow the available space.
c- "Stepped" or irregular shaped
walls, as well as irregular
shaped garden beds, can be
used to reduce the 'box-like'
effect that can be associated
with courtyards surrounded by
straight fences or walls.
d- Keep the design simple by
avoiding the temptation of
using too many different types
of materials or plants. If a lot

191

of different colors and textures
are used, the space can seem
more confusing and smaller.
Avoid active colors (eg. red,
yellow and orange) as these
make small spaces seem
smaller.
e- Use colors such as blues,
whites, greens and purples to
make small spaces seem
larger.
f- Mostly recent buildings such
as offices, hotels or malls
depend on artificial lights even
in broad day light due to their
closure to interior
environment. We are paying
the dear price of the same
flaw, climatically as well as
culturally. (Pandya, 2011)
g- Many courtyards include
lighting to be enjoyable in
darkness as well as in the
daytime. Low-voltage outdoor
lights can supply spotlighting
for specific plants as well as
ambient lighting that can
create an overall mood in the
courtyard. In many areas,
solar-powered lights can
provide hours of light without
using any of the home’s
electricity, making them both
an economical and a green
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Chapter 8
lighting solution. (Quarters,
2011).
h- Centrally located, a courtyard
provides ventilation to the
innermost rooms even on the
ground floor. As a vertical
shaft connecting to the open
sky, it pours in cheerful light
into inner rooms. All the
spaces of the house remain
well-illuminated with natural
light, depending upon on no
artificial lights during
daytime.
i- Court gives space to sunlight
without bringing in its glare or
haze. Sun beams are received
on the side walls of the court
shaft and reflected; diffused
light illuminates the space
cutting out the glare. This is
why proportion of a courtyard
is important. Height-to-width
ratio of the court is very
critical in environmental
management of the house.
Cubical proportion courts with
heights same as the width or
taller up to three times its
width are found efficient with
respect to mutual shading for
the sun. Too tall courts remain
like shafts and lose their scale
to afford sense of outdoor
space and effective
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
management of light and air. aperture within built fabric or
Too shallow courts also do not every house with a hole does
perform climatically as they not qualify to be the courtyard.
lose out on the system of sun Court is an integral system of
shading with higher ingress of built, of light, air, sun and
direct sun within in a hot dry vegetation (Fig. 8-23).
climate. This is why every (Pandya, 2011)

Figure 8-23: Artificial lighting to enhance the courtyard life. (Photos by the
author)

8.4.2. Technology in exhaust, photovoltaic arrays and

Designing Artificial solar collectors.
Lighting
• During the day, the Super tree
The Super trees are a fusion of
canopies provide shade and
nature, art and technology. They
shelter.
are at one level spectacular vertical
• At night, the Super trees come
gardens and landmark features, at
alive with lighting and
another they are the environmental
projected media that activate
engines for the Cooled
the city skyline (Fig. 8-24).
Conservatories incorporating
devices for water harvesting and
storage, air intake, cooling and

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 Chapter 8

Figure 8-24: Super tree canopies provide shade, shelter and lighting. (Show,
October 30, 2017)

While we can find the Boston
Tree pods. The Tree pods remove
carbon dioxide from the air by
releasing oxygen – just like real
trees. Moreover, Tree pods
generate energy with solar panels
while harvesting energy through
an interactive seesaw that visitors
can play with at the Tree pods
base.

194
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
Figure 8-25: Boston Tree pods lighting. (Show, October 30, 2017)
8.4.3. What to Light c. Home
In a new landscape, once you
have a written landscaping plan
it’s easy for a professional to
recommend some high-impact
locations for lighting. Some of
the best locations will be specific
to your particular landscape, but
there are a few common places
that work well when lit.
In courtyard design, designer
needs to light the followings
main functional areas:
a. Pathways and steps - “We
call this traverse lighting
because it helps you get from
one place to another,” says
Wilcoxson.
b. Decks and patios - Similarly,
patio lighting is called
“converse”. “This type of
lighting allows you to enjoy
conversation and company,”
Wilcoxson says. “When you
chat with friends, you want to
be able to see them.”
and architecture -
Barton suggests lighting your
front entry, pillars and stone
veneer.
d. Water features - “There are
underwater lights available
that highlight the rippling
water in a simple, classic
way,” says Barton.
e. Driveway - Few lights are
needed on the driveway, since
we all have headlights. The
best tactic for lighting a
driveway is to light the
landscape alongside.
f. Trees - Uplighting into trees
creates bold shadows in the
landscape, while down
lighting from the top of a tree
mimics the romantic effect of
moonlight.
g. Patio covers and pergolas -
“A chandelier light fixture
overhead feels inviting and
creates ambience,” says
Barton.
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8.4.4. Lighting types illuminate the underside of
a. Wash Light: Throws out a
soft, diffuse light ideal for
brightening flat facades,
privacy fences, and garden
walls.
b. Garden light, Canopies on
top of 18- to 24-inch posts
reflect light down into
planting beds. Can also be
used as pathway markers.
Unlike other lights, their style
and finish are on display
c. Bullet light, These versatile,
compact fixtures are often fitted
with bulbs that project a narrow
beam—good for precisely
lighting house features, tree
trunks, and garden structures
d. Well light, the bulb hides
inside a waterproof housing
buried in the ground, so you
get light without seeing a
fixture. Use well lights to
196
Chapter 8
plant foliage or graze the base
of a facade or wall. Available
with either fixed or swivelling
bulbs.
e. Downlight, These fixtures,
often located high on trunks
and branches can be aimed at
lawns, paths, or the tree's own
foliage to create a moonlit
effect. A long, cowl-shaped
shroud around the bulb
eliminates side glare. Choose
durable copper and brass
housings with LEDs—you
don't want to be climbing to
make repairs or replacements.
f. Floodlight, typically casts a
wider beam than a bullet—40
degrees or more—and is
brighter than a wash light. A
collar minimizes side glare.
Use sparingly to light up tall
trees or wide house facades.
(Fig. 8-26)
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard

Figure 8-26 Lighting types. (Cohen, 2010)

8.5.Lighting effects
a. Uplighting for directional
viewing: This outdoor lighting
technique uses low-voltage
light fixtures with halogen or
led bulbs that light a tree from
the ground up to show off its
shape and trunk structure. the Figure 8-27: Uplighting for
object is lit in one direction directional viewing. (Cohen, 2010)
only and the fixture is usually b. Uplighting for 360 viewing:
placed in or above the ground the object is lit from below
below what you are accenting. creating an even light when
This is common way to viewed from any side. In
highlight elements in courtyard ground, fixtures are often used.
landscape architecture, like This is a common way to
flags or large flowering trees highlight elements in courtyard
(Fig. 8-27). (Cohen, 2010) landscape architecture that will

197

be seen from more than one
viewpoint (Fig. 8-28).
Figure 8-28: Uplighting for 360°
viewing. (Cohen, 2010)
Plants with a weeping
character or other interesting
shape make a great focal point
when uplit at night. However,
unless you’re using LED
lights which stay cool, don’t
place your light too close to
the leaves. Halogen lights can
get hot enough to damage
foliage (Fig. 8-29). (Copper
Creek Landscaping, Inc. -
Mead, WA).
Figure 8-29: Plants with a weeping
character or other interesting shape.
(Copper Creek Landscaping, Inc. -
Mead, WA)
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Chapter 8
c. Down-Lighting from
structures: Down-Lighting
can be used in a number of
ways. Fixtures are placed in
garden walls or placed in trees
to down-light patios and
pathways. Use down lighting
to show off a bed of flowers,
or a beautiful plant. Hang or
fix the light just high enough
to spread a circle of light
around the feature you wish to
emphasize. If that's not an
option, consider a light that
can be focused to get the size
circle you desire. Down
lighting is also useful for
illuminating doorways and
other entrances and exits.
d. Down-lighting from
hardscape: Light fixtures can
be installed upside down in
benches, countertops, and wall
windows to cast subtle
lighting along pathways and
patios. During the day,
fixtures are hidden beneath the
hardscape but at night, their
light defines an area with a
surrounding glow that draws
guests in.
e. A combination of subtle
downlighting (Fig. 8-30).
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
Figure 8-30: A combination of subtle
downlighting. (Copper Creek
Landscaping, Inc. - Mead, WA)
f. For ambience with bold
uplighting for flair gives depth
to this landscaped area.
Underwater lighting is used to
highlight the waterfall.
(Copper Creek Landscaping,
Inc. - Mead, WA)
g. Moonlighting: To create this
lighting effect, fixtures are
placed high in a tree and
aimed downward. this
technique by placing light
fixture within branches of a
mature tree or by attaching a
fixture to a nearby wall that
shines through the branches.
This effect will cast unique
shadows in courtyard
landscape architecture design
(Fig. 8-31).
Figure 8-31: Moonlighting lighting
effect. (Cohen, 2010)
h. Silhouette lighting: For this
effect, a spread light is placed
between plant material,
sculpture or a fountain, and an
adjacent structure. this
technique involves aiming a
light at a unique statue or plant
to cast an eye-catching
shadow on a wall. It is
important to place the fixture
directly in front of what you
are dramatizing in order for
the shadow to be apparent
while walking by. The further
the fixture is away from your
object the less intense the
shadow will be (Fig. 8-32).
199

Figure 8-32: Silhouette lighting.
(Cohen, 2010)
i. Spotlighting: This technique
uses a fixture to highlight a
focal point such as a flag,
statue or water fountain. Use
one or two spotlights to
highlight your favorite feature
in the garden.. fixtures are
placed high on walk, eaves, or
shade structures in order to
light specific areas in
courtyard design. Some areas
worth spotlighting would be
decks, pools, hot tubs, arbours,
or lawn and planting areas.
This technique also brings a
sense of safety to dark
courtyards (Fig. 8-33).
200
Chapter 8
Figure 8-33: Spotlighting. (Cohen,
2010)
j. Spread lighting: Spread
lights are used to provide
light for areas of low
plantings. Consider using
spread lights for shadowing
off groundcover, low
growing shrubs or flowerbeds
(Fig. 8-34).
Figure 8-34: Spread lighting. (Cohen,
2010)
k. Path lighting: Path lighting
is the ultimate way to provide
a safe, secure and visible path
for walking at night. path
lights are similar to spread
lights and must be correctly
placed to prevent glare (Fig.
8-35).
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
Figure 8-35: Path lighting. (Cohen,
2010)
l. Cross lighting: Lights the
feature from two sides. You
don't want to overdo this
effect since that can lead to
over lighting and a washed out
look. Nevertheless, used
judiciously, cross lighting can
highlight the main feature of
your garden and soften the
look at the same time.
Shadows can be larger than
life on walls and structures.
m. Step and deck lighting: Light
fixtures can be processed in
the risers of steps to illuminate
and provide safety for
stairways. Deck fixtures can
be placed as surface lights
between vertical posts railing
(Fig. 8-36).
Figure 8-36: Step and deck lighting.
(Cohen, 2010)
n. Wall lighting: The technique
enhances structural elements of
your home or hardscape
elements that were note
noticed during the day can play
a dramatic role in designing
landscape architecture at night.
Chimneys, fencing, retaining
walls, and structure walls are
all candidates for wall lighting
(Fig. 8-37). (Cohen, 2010)
Figure 8-37: Wall lighting. (Cohen,
2010)
o. Shadowing: This involves
washing a feature such as a
tree or statue so that it casts a
shadow on a wall or fence.
The play of light and darkness
can be quite intriguing,
especially if the object is
affected by the breeze.
Lighting the object from low
down and angling upward can
provide a larger than life
dramatic effect (Fig. 8-38).
201

Figure 8-38: Using lights to create
shadows on walls or fences will add
drama and depth to your landscape.
(Calimesa, CA)
p. Grazing: To highlight an
interesting texture or stone
work, spread-lights or up-
lights are placed right next to
the wall with beams directed
upwards. This casts shadows
that delicately capture the
texture of the wall. This effect
is terrific to show off your
stonework on walls and
pilasters. Grazing can be
combined with silhouetting
when planned properly (Fig.
8-39).
202
Chapter 8
Figure 8-39: Outdoor stonework can
be displayed at night using a lighting
technique called grazing.
(Calimesa, CA)
q. Underwater lighting:
Fixtures submersed in water
features create an extra special
effect at night. Light literally
dances across walls and room
ceilings when water passes
over it. Use submersible lights
in ponds, fountains and
swimming pools. Moving
water, especially, can change
and produce fascinating
ripples and glints. A fish
crossing over the light
produces wonderful effects of
color and shadow. And
lighting the water from
underneath adds depth to what
would otherwise be a flat
surface. Don't' have a water
feature to light? Use cool new
"ripple lights" that have their
own small water pump and
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
splash water across small dish
over the light lens for
outstanding water-feature like
effects. Color changing pool
lights are used to provide both
motion and color in the pool
or spa. New Led lights are
brighter and less-expensive
than fiber-optic alternatives.
Louvered step lighting sits on
the face of the steps and is
tucked under the stone
overhang so it shines
downward instead of into
people’s eyes. The underwater
lighting in the backdrop makes
the hot tub into a decorative
feature (Fig. 8-40). (Alexon
Design Group - Gilbert, AZ)
Figure 8-40: Louvered step lighting
sits on the face of the steps. (Alexon
Design Group - Gilbert, AZ)
r. Pool Lighting: Swimming
pool lighting is important both
for safety and for aesthetics.
“We use fixtures mounted on
the stone where people may
climb out of the pool,” says
Gerry DuBreuil of Belknap
Landscape Company, Inc. in
Gilford, NH. You can also use
underwater lights or ambient
lighting in the surrounding
landscape to make after-hours
swimming inviting to you and
your guests (Fig. 8-41).
Figure 8-41: Louvered step lighting
contributes to the ambience of this
patio, and also provides safe passage
to the pool. ( Alexon Design Group -
Gilbert, AZ)
8.6.A Common Outdoor
Lighting Mistake
Lights on top of pilasters (a
rectangular column with a capital
and base, projecting only slightly
from a wall as an ornamental
motif, often used to support light
fixtures in gardens) are fine
when placed properly. Don't only
light the top of a staircase or you
will end up casting a shadow
down the steps. Shadowed steps
make it hard to judge distance
and can create a slip and fall
hazard. Always add lights at the
203

bottom of the steps too to fill in
shadows and create a safe
staircase (Fig. 8-42).
Figure 8-42: Simply placing a light on
top of a column. (Calimesa, CA)
Simply placing a light on top
of a column may cast dangerous
shadows. Add down lights to fill
in shadows. (Calimesa, CA)
8.7.Fire-Resistant
These steps help in creating a
more defensible outdoor space:
• Use fire-proof or -resistant
building materials.
• Prune trees and shrubs
regularly.
• Clear away dry and dead brush
and vegetation.
• Use inorganic mulches like pea
gravel and rocks.
• Create more hardscaping in
design the courtyard.
• Remove flammable plants.
• Install drip irrigation.
204
Chapter 8
• Minimize the use of evergreen
shrubs and trees within 30 feet
of a structure, especially
junipers and conifers, which
contain oils and resins that help
fuel a fire.
• Tree branches should be at
least 15 feet from structures,
chimneys, and power lines.
• Create fuel breaks and reduce
fuel loads with driveways,
paths, patios, hardscaping,
fences, or walls made of rock,
cement, or brick.
• Water features can be used as
fuel breaks. These include
swimming pools, spas, ponds,
or even fountains.
• Thin vegetation and use
inorganic mulch on bare ground
to prevent erosion (Taylor,
Updated October 12, 2012. )
8.8.Characteristics of Fire-
Resistant Plants
There is no such thing as a
completely “fire-proof” plant.
Most specimens will ignite if
exposed to flames. Select high-
moisture plants that grow close to
the ground and have a low sap or
resin content. An added bonus for
those in dry areas: some fire-
resistant plants are also drought-
tolerant. (Taylor, 2017)
Space Furnishing, Lighting and Services in Courtyard
8.9.Water and Drainage
As courtyard gardens are
mainly paved, there are not too
many areas of proper drainage, to
take place. This can cause a
number of issues within a garden,
especially watering any plants
beforehand. The best way to keep
plants at their best is to install a
small pond or water feature in the
courtyard. As they are usually
humid environments, the water in
the pond or water feature will
evaporate and help keep the
plants feel fresh.
A fountain is one of the most
common features found in a
courtyard. A fountain is not only
soothing, it is also an easy way to
help block out unwanted noise
from the surrounding area. For
those who want to expand the
water feature, a small fishpond
with a waterfall or center
fountain is a pleasant addition to
a courtyard. For very small
spaces, a half-barrel works well
as a miniature pond, and
installing a center spray nozzle
turns it into a simple, enjoyable
fountain that can be topped with
a few water lilies if desired.
(Quarters, 2011)
What type of drainage would
be required? Would it be simple
or complex? If it's a do-it-
yourself project, are you an
experienced do-it-yourselfer who
can successfully tackle outdoor
drainage and plumbing? If not,
can you afford to hire a
contractor or landscape
professional? (Fig. 8-43) (Taylor,
2017)
Figure 8-43: Contrasting pavers. Lisa
Hallett Taylor
205
 Chapter 8

Points for Further Studies:

Searching about the topic of space
furnishing, lighting and services in
courtyard according to:
Climate and environment
Function
Characteristics
Advantage of using courtyard in
this building
findings

206


B ibliography
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