Courtyards: A Look at the Purpose and History of Courtyard

A courtyard is an open-air area surrounded by tall walls or buildings, typically located in a building’s center. Modern courtyards are an architectural feature most commonly seen in office spaces and universities, where students and workers can relax, eat, or talk to peers. Courtyards are a less-common feature in homes, but they are growing in popularity as homeowners want more space for outdoor dining, exercising, and parties.

Courtyards have been a part of architectural design for centuries.

• The global rise of courtyards. As far back as 6400 BCE in the Jordan Valley, houses were constructed around a small courtyard space surrounded by many small rooms. In Mesopotamia (2000 BCE), the city-state of Ur featured two-story brick homes built around a central courtyard living area. In China (1000 BCE), traditional siheyuan homes were often built around inner courtyards with gardens or water features. In Ancient Rome (800 BCE), the Roman domus house plans included a living room with an open area in the roof where rainwater could drain into a pool below.
• Courtyards gain popularity in warmer climates. Courtyard houses continued to be popular throughout the ages, especially in agricultural communities in Europe and places with temperate climates like the Middle East and India; courtyards also became a staple of office parks and universities.
• Twentieth-century resurgence. In the United States, courtyards homes enjoyed a spike in popularity in the twentieth century, especially in warm areas like California and Florida. In recent years, courtyard homes have become common as homebuilders look for more ways to bring natural light and outdoor areas into architectural design.

In modern architectural design, courtyards have several purposes:

• Invites natural light. Natural light is one of the best ways to make a space feel larger, open, and inviting—and courtyards are bright open areas designed to invite sunlight, which can rejuvenate humans and plants alike. Internal gardens are a common feature in open courtyards—the bright space is a perfect location for sun-loving trees and plants.
• Encourages air movement. As open-air spaces, courtyards allow breezes to enter the building during hot summers. For this reason, courtyards are especially popular in warmer climates, where breezes help keep the house cool during the summer, but the residents don’t need to worry about snow in the winter. Courtyards also offer a way to invite airflow without the security concerns of leaving windows or doors open.
• Creates a relaxing space. Whether you’re at home or in an office, being stuck inside for long periods can be stressful. Courtyards offer a solution by creating a beautiful, private outdoor space that you can use to get some fresh air, talk to a neighbor, or even meditate. Courtyards are a prominent feature for many colleges and office buildings, giving workers and students a relaxing space to eat lunch, study, or chat with friends and co-workers on their daily breaks.

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