Utilizing the Central Courtyard of Traditional Architecture to Reinforce It in Modern Architecture

Abstract

Since the nineteenth century, there has been a noticeable interest in traditional architectural design. During this period, particular attention was drawn to the central courtyard, and numerous studies were conducted on traditional architecture, encompassing both historical and contemporary approaches up to the late 1960s. This study aims to benefit from the central courtyard in traditional architecture and to reinforce its integration into modern architectural design. Most previous studies on traditional architecture were limited in scope, and the findings revealed a weakening of the role of the internal courtyard in some contemporary local architectural models. This was primarily due to the absence of appropriate characteristics and criteria aligned with the concepts of interior space design within contemporary architectural trends.                                                                                                   

In subsequent years, studies related to traditional architecture were reconsidered from a new perspective. However, architectural researchers tended to overlook the traditional courtyard due to the advancement of modern architecture and the emergence of shortcomings and uncertainties regarding this architectural type. This study explores the role of the central courtyard in traditional architecture and highlights the advantages of this architectural element in accordance with sustainable architecture principles. Furthermore, it investigates the potential application of the courtyard concept to meet the needs of contemporary modern architecture. These studies do not aim to preserve or replicate historical forms, but rather to utilize their patterns and experiences to create new forms that adhere to the core concepts of traditional architecture within modern architectural practice.