COURTYARD
History
Done by:
Abrar Taamneh
Besan Ali
Saja Al-Zoubi
DEFINITION
A courtyard is an open space enclosed by walls or buildings, typically part of a home or structure.
It serves as a multifunctional area that provides privacy, natural ventilation, and light while fostering a
connection to nature. Courtyards often feature gardens, fountains, or seating areas, blending functionality
with aesthetic appeal.
فراغ وسطي محاط باالبني ذات الرتفاع المتوسط و اذا
اصبح االرتفاع عاليا سمي بالحوش
HISTORY
The courtyard is one of the oldest architectural elements that has appeared in building history and architectural
design. It is a feature that has been present since ancient times, evolving with human culture and needs. Here's a brief
overview of its history
Origins of the Courtyard
•Ancient Times (Before Christ):
• The roots of the courtyard date back to around 3000 BC, appearing in civilizations such as ancient
Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India.
• The courtyard served as a gathering space for families, providing privacy, natural ventilation, and
lighting.
• In Sumerian civilization, houses often had a central courtyard surrounded by rooms, reflecting the
importance of this element in early home designs.
Courtyard in Islamic Architecture:
•Islamic Era (7th century onward):
• The courtyard evolved into a key element of homes, palaces, and mosques.
• It reflected the Islamic design philosophy, which focused on privacy and connection to nature.
• Typically, these courtyards featured a fountain or small garden to enhance feelings of tranquility and beauty.
• Famous examples: The Alhambra Palace in Granada and the courtyard of Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo.
Courtyard in Medieval and Renaissance Architecture:
•In Europe, courtyards were widely used in castles, rural homes, and palaces.
•These courtyards served multiple purposes, from social gatherings to agricultural or defensive activities.
•During the Renaissance, there was greater attention to beautifying courtyards, making them architectural focal points
with columns, decorations, and sculptures.
Courtyard in Modern Architecture:
•With the development of cities and increased population density, the courtyard was redefined in modern design contexts.
•Today, courtyards are used in residential and commercial projects to enhance natural ventilation and lighting, as well as
being a sustainable element that reduces energy reliance.
Functional and Aesthetic Value:
•The courtyard achieves a balance between privacy and openness.
•It enhances the connection to nature within enclosed architectural spaces.
•Courtyards are used in homes, schools, hotels, and hospitals, making them versatile
elements.
Traditional to Modern Transformations: How It Started?
Traditional Roots:
•In Islamic and Mediterranean architecture, courtyards were the heart of the home, providing privacy, shade,
ventilation, and often featuring water elements like fountains for comfort and relaxation.
•In hot climates, courtyards served as natural cooling systems, with high walls and shaded areas reducing
temperatures.
Cultural Significance:
They were used as social spaces for family gatherings and religious rituals, strengthening emotional ties between people and
their environment.
Transformation in Function and Usage
•In Modern Times:
• Courtyards are no longer limited to traditional homes; they have become versatile
elements found in residential, commercial, and even urban skyscrapers.
•Integrated Indoor and Outdoor Design:
• Courtyards are now connected to living rooms and kitchens, creating a sense of
openness.
•Enhanced Aesthetics and Comfort:
• Incorporation of vertical gardens, swimming pools, and even glass-covered
courtyards to make them functional year-round.
Challenges and Innovations
•Limited Space in Urban Areas:
• Using vertical courtyards or green walls to create a sense of nature in urban settings.
• Rooftop courtyards as a new solution for densely populated buildings.
•Climate Adaptation:
• In extreme climates, innovative designs like retractable courtyards or those equipped with heating and cooling
systems are implemented.
Notable Examples of Courtyard Transformations
•Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy: Traditional Moroccan Riads:
An example of vertical courtyards, integrating Many have been transformed into hotels and museums,
green gardens into building facades. preserving traditional courtyards while incorporating modern
designs.
The Future: Where Are Courtyards Heading?
•Smart Design:
• Integrating AI to manage lighting, irrigation, and even
weather control within the courtyard.
•Multi-functional Courtyards:
• Transforming courtyards into outdoor workspaces or
entertainment areas.
•Vertical Trend:
• Designing courtyards across multiple levels,
connected to balconies and rooftops.
What is the difference?
Impact of
courtyards
on
residential
buildings
The Courtyard in a Temperate Climate
Courtyards in temperate climates can range from small patios to large urban spaces. Patios tend to
be smaller because there is less need for natural heating or cooling and less ventilation. In contrast,
urban courtyards often serve multiple purposes.
a) Configuration of the Courtyard: Courtyard blocks in temperate climates are generally similar in
size, as they do not depend heavily on sunlight for temperature regulation.
b) Natural Elements: In these climates, natural elements primarily provide greenery and are less
critical than in hot and arid regions.
c) Openings in Different Facades: Openings are larger in temperate climates due to moderate
temperatures, which increases the need for natural light and solar heat. This leads to the
installation of larger windows, such as conservatories, that enhance light capture. Additionally,
natural ventilation can help reduce the reliance on air conditioning.
The Courtyard in a Tropical Climate
Courtyards in tropical climates prioritize ventilation overheating, as heating is not a concern in these regions. The
design focuses on capturing wind and breezes to ventilate buildings, resulting in extroverted structures. Unlike other
climates, sunlight is less of a priority; instead, the wind direction is critical, and solar penetration should be
minimized.
a) Configuration of the Courtyard: Tropical courtyards are designed to reduce solar radiation due to the lack of
heating needs. Buildings are typically taller, and narrow courtyards enhance cross-ventilation. Tall parapets are
also used to block sunlight from roofs. A notable difference in tropical climates is that internal spaces are not
entirely enclosed from the external environment.
b) Natural Elements: Tropical climates are characterized by high humidity, which limits evaporation and affects
natural elements. As a result, water pools are uncommon. Trees in these regions retain their leaves year-round
(Akbari et al., 1990).
c) Openings in Different Facades: Effective design in these climates focuses on creating suitable openings.
Courtyard buildings often have porous facades to capture local breezes for ventilation. Porches on various
facades provide shaded, semi-open spaces that enhance comfort and airflow.
Courtyards configuration
cases showing the impact of
courtyards in residential buildings
As shown in the drawing below, the courtyard helped natural
sunlight to enter the house without glare, natural daylight
reduces the usage of artificial lighting which in return helps the
environment by reducing energy consumption.
This diagram shows how does courtyards help to maintain a neutral temperature
inside residents and how much temperature differ from different zones of the
house.
