Courtyard Spaces Research Articles

Композиционные приёмы в организации жилых кварталов в Москве и Ленинграде второй половины 1920-х — начала 1930-х годов

The article analyzes the characteristic compositional techniques in the construction of residential blocks of mass capital construction in Moscow and Leningrad. The transformation of approaches to their composition is caused by changes in state ideology and the economic situation. It is determined that the principles of allocation of land plots for new construction had a direct impact on the organization of residential areas. The difference in approaches to building the composition of a block is explained by the peculiarities of understanding the role of these objects in the formation of the urban fabric and their connection with the urban environment. It is shown that the Moscow practice is characterized by isolated design of residential complexes, almost without connection with the environment. But at the same time, there is a fairly pronounced functional zoning within these objects with front and courtyard spaces. The Leningrad practice from the very first examples was focused on creating a complete fragment of the urban fabric included into the environment. This inclusion occurs both from a compositional and functional point of view. At the same time, there is no functional zoning within the blocks. This is due to the different principles of organizing the layout of typical residential sections and the conditions for the arrangement of buildings on the site.

Comparative analysis of sol-air temperature in typical open and semi-closed courtyard spaces

Comparative analysis of sol-air temperature in typical open and semi-closed courtyard spaces

Typology of courtyards in apartment block development based on planning openness and permeability

In the Russian Federation, the problem of creating a comfortable urban environment is of a national nature. The authors suggest paying attention to the courtyard in apartment block development as this area is one of the most important elements of the urban environment – a buffer space between the apartment and the city. As an important criterion for a comfortable environment is its safety, therefore, it is necessary to understand which courtyards form a sense of security in people, and which do not. The formation of a sense of security of residents is influenced by many different factors. Courtyards, having a different planning arrangement, create different conditions for the comfort of living inhabitants and the degree of use by other people. The authors propose the development of a typology of courtyard spaces based on a sense of comfort and security. As basic characteristics they propose to use: planning openness of the yard, which characterizes the degree of built perimeter of the yard, as well as the permeability of the territory, indicating the accessibility of this area for other residents and their activity. This typology will be the basis for further determining how each type affects the formation of a sense of security among residents and what measures from an architectural point of view can be applied to ensure the formation of this feeling.

Form Deconstruction of Chinese Contemporary Landscape Architecture-Take the Design of Wuhan University of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park as an Example

There are several differences in architectural forms and cultural systems between the east and the west, which are attributed to different traditional philosophical ontologies. China takes "Tao" as its ideological basis emphasizes: "Nothing". Chinese fundamental principles are deeply related to philosophy and metaphysics. Traditional culture pursues spiritual connotations. Inversely, the west regards "Logos" as the origin of the world. This emphasizes the "being", with fundamental principles based in geometry, mathematics and science. The west has established a scientific spatial consciousness since the beginning of the Renaissance. It is based on mathematical relations and geometric principles, and focused on the pursuit of matter. "Logos" is an important aspect of Western philosophy, meaning that the “center”, the “source” or the “truth”, is a transcendental "presence." Pythagorean's mathematical theory and Plato's "rational" thinking are ultimately a variant of "Logos". The external imitation of nature in western classical gardens aims to explore the essence of nature. The separation of subject and object as the fundamental formula of Western philosophical epistemology has made mankind dominating nature for a long time. It leads to the deterioration of our living environment. Deconstructive philosophical thought is the subversion and criticism of the "Logos centralism" since ancient Greece. It eliminates the sense of "center" and the "subject-object dichotomy", which is the process of transforming "being" to "nothing". "Anthropocentrism" is disintegrated, when people and nature re-entered in an equal dialogue and symbiosis. Therefore, the symbiotic relationship between man and nature has been reshaped by the spirit of deconstruction. This is highly compatible with the ideological concept of "harmony between man and nature". The cultural spirit of harmony is precious in Chinese traditional philosophy. Taking the design project of the Innovation Pioneer Park of Wuhan University of Technology as a casestudy, this paper analyses the morphological deconstruction characteristics and their cultural connotation to contemporary Chinese courtyard spaces. It explores a design language and method that breaks through the traditional thinking paradigm, bridging it to characteristics of a particular era as well as the aesthetic appeal. This is not a universal design paradigm, but an exploratory series of philosophical speculative processes, which in turn can inform a dynamic and sustainable development. It shows ideological essence of reminiscent of culture and spirit of the traditional Chinese landscape. Contemporary people’s world views should be manifest. By doing so, it becomes a conceptual, radiant and pioneering Chinese cultural spiritual symbol in a chaotic contemporary society.

Buddhist Architectural Transformation in Medieval China, 300–700 CE: Emperor Wu’s Great Assemblies and the Rise of the Corridor-Enclosed, Multicloister Monastery Plan

During the Northern and Southern dynasties (420–589 CE), Chinese Buddhist monasteries transitioned from singlequadrangle structures into large compounds encompassing central and subsidiary courtyards.Historians studying this transition, often characterized as part of a long acculturation process as Buddhism moved from India to China, have generally focused on the principal buildings of these complexes—the central stupas and image halls. In Buddhist Architectural Transformation in Medieval China, 300–700 CE: Emperor Wu’s Great Assemblies and the Rise of the Corridor-Enclosed,Multicloister Monastery Plan, Zhu Xu considers courtyard spaces and the buildings surrounding them, focusing on the historical and ceremonial significance of the multiple-courtyard, corridorenclosed form developed for Liang-era imperial monasteries. Emperor Wu and the architect-monk Sengyou played a central role in this process by adapting the traditional forms of imperial ritual architecture for spectacular public Buddhist assemblies. These utilized monastic space for imperial and dynastic purposes while responding to and facilitating ritual interactions between lay and monastic communities. EmperorWu’s imperial Buddhist ritual programs and architectural innovations distinguished southern monasteries of the sixth century and were later adopted by northern elites andmonastic reformers. Thus did the corridor-enclosed, multicloister plan became the preeminent

Assessment of seasonal variations in concentration, particle-size distribution, and taxonomic composition of airborne fungi in a courtyard space

As people desire contact with the natural environment and comfortable living, modern buildings are increasingly incorporating the design of courtyard spaces. Hence, it is of interest to investigate the fungal air quality of courtyard spaces. This study aimed to investigate seasonal patterns of airborne fungal concentration, particlesize distribution, and taxonomic composition by using air microbial samplers and combining culture and molecular techniques. The results indicated that fungal concentration varied between seasons, peaking in autumn (825 ± 260 CFU/m3) and being the lowest in winter (617 ± 197 CFU/m3). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that fungal concentrations were positively correlated with relative humidity and wind speed. The relative humidity and wind speed supported fungal dispersion, whereas temperature negatively affected fungal dispersion in a multiple linear regression model. The fungal concentrations corresponding to “not excellent” in the Air Quality Index (AQI: >50) were higher than those corresponding to “excellent” (AQI: 0–50). The airborne fungal particle sizes in the range 1.1–3.3 μm (>58%) were predominant in all four seasons. In all four seasons, the airborne fungi had count median diameters ranging from 1.60 μm to 1.80 μm, allowing the fungi to penetrate the terminal bronchi. Verticillium (75.9%) and Cladosporium (27.4%) were the most abundant fungal genera in spring and summer, respectively. Flammulina was predominant in autumn and winter, accounting for 35.2% and 31.3%, respectively. Moreover, 14 fungal genera that contained allergenic or pathogenic species were identified in all four seasons. The highest mean average daily dose rates of airborne fungi was found in autumn. These findings will provide information for creating a more reasonable, comfortable, and healthier courtyard space air environment.

Conception of open spaces- A Case of Delhi Courtyard Houses

Concerns for the future of our environment, with regards to climate change, scarcity of resources, population growth, and globalization are growing, we need alternative solutions as to how can we reduce the negative impact of all the above on the planet while catering the needs of the mass. Only recently has there been debates if or not vernacular and traditional aspects of architecture can be the key to the required change. Courtyards and open spaces are one of the attributes of vernacular architecture that needs to be discussed in the above context. The importance of these spaces had already been proven for different climatic conditions. However, there is a need to justify this kind of open space typology in the lights of contemporary architecture of a metropolitan city like Delhi which is having a diverse urban fabric, a high rate of influx, and also cultural diversification. Given that the most common and relatable architectural typology is the dwelling, and it is subjected to a rapid transformation concerning its built as well as use. The following case takes into consideration the residential open spaces of Delhi through a comparative study of residential courtyard spaces of Delhi hence, the paper tries to form a conception of open spaces in the residential typology of Delhi post-independence and hence, tries to study the dwellings of the same time dating from the 1950s till date it also provides the reader an insight to the reasoning of flattening of built forms that have emerged in today’s era, despite the heterogeneity of people and what are the possible solutions to this through the understanding of courtyard spaces and use its functional benefits like comfort and a sense of belongingness.

FEATURES OF THE REVITALIZATION OF RESIDENTIAL COURTYARD SPACES OF THE SOVIET PERIOD IN ODESSA

The article discusses key issues related to architectural and urban planning features of the formation of Odessa residential courtyard spaces of the Soviet period. Four stages of development of post-Soviet courtyard spaces: courtyards of the 1920s – 1950s were revealed; courtyard spaces of the 1920s – 1950s close to the central part of the city, in remote peripheral areas; courtyards of five-story panel buildings of the 1950s – 1960s; large neighborhood residential areas of the 1970s – 1980s. It was established that in the development of projects for revitalizing the courtyard spaces, it is important to establish the legal boundaries of these spaces, as well as to identify the real needs of residents and users. It is advisable to design each yard individually, with small architectural competitions, in which practitioners-architects, students, local residents, and representatives of local authorities can be involved. The principles of revitalizing these spaces and a list of key events that will help ensure the emotional and physical comfort of residents of outdated houses are formulated and will be able to realize the special social role of the yard for each of the types of Odessa post-Soviet courtyard spaces, among them the main ones: the formation of space within a courtyard by a large-scale person; balanced functional zoning; increasing the functional diversity of recreation areas; reduction in the number of groomed landscaping sites; reorganization of existing parking lots; providing comfortable walk-through paths to various infrastructure facilities; organization of a convenient approach to entry groups; determination of the regime for the use of domestic territories for citizens who do not live in nearby houses.

Influence of planning decisions on the local climate of residential building of the Krasnodar region and the Primorsk region

Introduction: the article presents the examples of architectural and planning solutions on optimization of courtyard spaces in the southern regions of the Russian Federation, their protection from strong wind, insufficient airing, overheating and solar radiation, as well as anthropogenic and natural ones. In modern Russian construction, insufficient attention is paid to natural and climatic effects. Typical residential housing is used in all regions of the country. The main reason is the lack of regulatory documents for each region, which has its characteristics (presence of water bodies, terrain features, a wind rose, etc.). This problem dictates the need to structure the vital natural and climatic factors which affect the yard territory microclimate. Based on this, compensatory effective improvement methods and solutions that can balance the adverse effect of natural and climatic conditions and create the parameters and norms of architectural and urban planning design are presented.
 
 
 Materials and methods: the article analyzed the following information: standards, guidelines, design and regulatory documents in the field of construction and design, published data, and materials of domestic and foreign scientific research on this subject. Methods of scientific research are based on the use of factor and comparative analyses and the theory of constraints.
 
 
 Results: the article as formed the architectural and planning proposals on the residential area climate-based development.
 
 
 Conclusions: a planning structure based on local natural and climatic consideration (terrain features, the wind rose, etc.) and application of effective methods of territory protection from excessive solar radiation and adverse winds can form a favorable microclimate of a residential building for human comfort habitation. Correct assessment of the climatic features allows making bioclimatic protection economically sound and efficient in terms of energy consumption as well as defining favorable architectural and planning solutions.

Attention Restoration Space on a University Campus: Exploring Restorative Campus Design Based on Environmental Preferences of Students.

Students studying for a long time frequently suffer from attentional fatigue; however, campuses lack specific spaces in which to restore attention. This study aimed to explore the significant perceptual factors related to student selection of landscape types that they perceive as most relaxing on a university campus. To understand the design factors of an attention restoration space, this study examined the preference of students regarding restorative environments on university campuses at six universities in northeastern China using a questionnaire survey (n = 360). Place-mapping revealed the spatial characteristics of the preferences of students for relaxing in the available space. The primary perceptual factors were obtained using correlation analysis and keyword frequency. A relationship model of landscape types and perceptual factors was established using categorical regression (CATREG). Results showed that waterfront spaces have the optimal perceived attention restoration effect, followed by vegetation spaces, courtyard spaces and square spaces. Visibility, accessibility, comfort, recognition and sense of belonging are significant perceptual factors that should be first considered. Moreover, the optimal selection of design factors depends on the interaction of landscape types and perceptual factors. The design implications may assist designers to gain a new perspective on student requirements for a healthy environment.

The substantiation of architectural-planning transformations of urban public spaces with the account of the principles of biopositivity

This article presents the results of a scientific study conducted within the framework of an intra-university grant. The work was partially supported by the V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University Development Program for 2015-2024. The analysis of the world experience in the design of biopositive public spaces in various cities of the world is considered, the methods for the formation of a sustainable biopositive urban space are outlined in the theoretical works of leading specialists in various directions. Spaces of Crimean cities, in particular its capital - Simferopol, listed a number of problems of the following public urban spaces : areas, landscape objects, pedestrian streets, embankment, etc., formed as a result of the development and growth of the modern city, the results of surveys conducted by the authors (questionnaires, social questions) among guests and local population of Crimean cities. wishes of the residents of Simferopol city, Alushta city and Chernomorskoye settlement to architectural-planning, composition-landscape and artistic expressive qualities of urban public spaces. A short characteristic of the most popular urban spaces is given, their advantages and disadvantages are indicated. The requirements of residents and guests of these the Crimean cities to the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the material and technical and vegetable content of the urban environment are analyzed. Practical recommendations on the architectural and planning reconstruction of transport and pedestrian units, squares, garden and park facilities, embankments and courtyard spaces, taking into account the principles of biopositivity, are given. Experimental design models are proposed that consider the idea of transforming the existing public spaces of Crimean cities, taking into account modern international standards and information of sociological surveys.

Simulation of courtyard spaces in a desert climate

Within the global trend of looking for energy efficient and environmentally comfortable buildings, the courtyard pattern has been investigated by many authors as an interesting solution for hot regions. Computer simulation tools have been used for this purpose, as they provide wide-ranging possibilities that cannot be obtained in field experiments, including assessing different building design variants under identical climate conditions. However, simulation of courtyards remains challenging, as courtyards are building spaces that are partly open to the outdoor climate and typical building simulation tools are not designed to cope with such situations. This research investigates the capabilities of DesignBuilder in simulating the courtyard thermal behavior. DesignBuilder has been selected due to its wide use amongst architects and building service engineers, and because of its inclusive measurements and validated accuracy. Software simulation results have been compared with real life measurements. The results show that DesignBuilder simulation results are quite different from measured results, raising doubts over the applicability of the software in this specific context.

Numerical modeling validation for the microclimate thermal condition of semi-closed courtyard spaces between buildings

In this study, the microclimate model ENVI-met version 4 was evaluated with field data inside courtyard spaces. The measurements were planned in different climate conditions in summer and winter at different points inside the courtyard located in Hannover, Germany. Climate variables —including air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS) and mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) — were investigated. The comparison between observation and prediction was performed while considering the accuracy of the model with the different domain and cell sizes, the different lateral boundary conditions for turbulence (LBC for TKE) and the time step size for flow. Consequently, the 2 × 2 × 1 m3 cell-sized model with cyclic LBC for TKE and tflow=0s lead to quicker simulation and reliable results.This study provides further confidence that the ENVI-met model is capable of predicting the microclimate variables inside medium-narrow courtyards with an acceptable accuracy. The root mean square error (RMSE) value at the center of the shaded courtyard was calculated as approximately 0.73°C for Ta, 3.34% for RH, 0.01m/s for WS and 8.44°C for Tmrt. However, due to the model resolution, inaccuracies in the values are displayed for Tmrt in the sun-exposed areas.

Socio-Physical and Environmental Evaluation of Courtyard Space and Courtyard-Lifestyle in the Context of Swahili Architecture and Culture-Case Study of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This study was meant to analyze courtyard space in Magomeni neighborhood, which comprises Swahili architectural buildings arranged in grid iron pattern built in 1940s as African settlement. Three field surveys were conducted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where, 99, 100 and 99 households samples were consecutively picked up for spatial, social, environmental and cultural analysis. In each survey, courtyard spaces were studied based on previous functions in terms of physical, environmental and socio-spatial roles in the Swahili architecture and lifestyle of the people. The original intended role of courtyard spaces were analyzed and compared with the current situation where most of them have lost their functions (architectural, environmental, cultural and social) due extension of rooms in the courtyard spaces which is caused by urbanization and socio-economic needs for renting spaces in areas within a walking distance from the city center. The physical analysis was followed up by the socio-statistical investigation where the results from the two analytical methods were discussed with the results as follows: Pragmatically, the courtyard spaces in Swahili architecture had central role in the physical, environmental and social layout of buildings which in this study it is considered as a “center of life” or genius loci of the Swahili architecture. The alteration in most of the buildings by extending rooms into the courtyard space has caused a downfall of this very vital space which has resulted into change of lifestyle of the residents. Discomfort due to lack of cross ventilation was reported by most of the respondents. Consequently, there is an excessive demand for artificial cooling and ventilation appliances which has increased the cost of living in the neighbourhood. Although residents have shown some efforts to plant trees to improve the living condition, a holistic approach from both the government and the community is needed in the redevelopment of the neighbourhood.

An Investigation into Energy Performance with the Integrated Usage of a Courtyard and Atrium

Offices and retail spaces are among the most energy-intensive building typologies. Designing office buildings without proper consideration of their form, orientation, envelope, and other variables can lead to a considerable increase in energy usage. This research investigates how integrated usage of an atrium and courtyard can improve a building’s energy performance. Thermal performance of both atrium and courtyard spaces as well as their energy-efficient integrated usage in office buildings have been investigated within the scope of this research. DesignBuilder as an interface and EnergyPlus (based on ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) as analytical software have been used to investigate the thermal behavior of an atrium and courtyard in two stages. From the results it appeared that a courtyard with 40% window-to-wall ratio and triple glazing has the best energy performance, while those with single glazing and an 80% window-to-wall ratio represent maximum energy consumption in all climates. The findings also revealed that the integrated usage of a courtyard and atrium can save energy if it is used as a courtyard type of building during summer in all climates and if it is used as an atrium in the cold months. This research is original and will contribute to the literature, as it investigates the integrated usage of an atrium and courtyard with respect to energy efficiency. This research is expected to be beneficial to professionals and academics, especially with respect to the energy-efficient use of courtyards, atria, and their integrated modes. Furthermore, the findings can contribute to the sustainability performance of the built environment through an integrated atrium-courtyard building, resulting in minimal energy consumption.

Socio-physical and Environmental Evaluation of Courtyard Space and Courtyard-lifestyle in the Context of Swahili Architecture and Culture -Case study of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This study was meant to analyze courtyard space in Magomeni neighborhood which comprises Swahili architectural buildings arranged in grid iron pattern built in 1940s as African settlement. Three field surveys were conducted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where, 99, 100 and 99 households samples were consecutively picked up for spatial, social, environmental and cultural analysis. In each survey, courtyard spaces were studied based on previous functions in terms of physical, environmental and socio-spatial roles in the Swahili architecture and lifestyle of the people. The original intended role of courtyard spaces were analyzed and compared with the current situation where most of them have lost their functions (architectural, environmental, cultural and social) due extension of rooms in the courtyard spaces which is caused by urbanization and socio-economic needs for renting spaces in areas within a walking distance from the city center. The physical analysis was followed up by the socio-statistical investigation where the results from the two analytical methods were discussed with the results as follows: Pragmatically, the courtyard spaces in Swahili architecture had central role in the physical, environmental and social layout of buildings which in this study it is considered as a “center of life” or genius loci of the Swahili architecture. The alteration in most of the buildings by extending rooms into the courtyard space has caused a downfall of this very vital space which has resulted into change of lifestyle of the residents. Discomfort due to lack of cross ventilation was reported by most of the respondents. Consequently, there is an excessive demand for artificial cooling and ventilation appliances which has increased the cost of living in the neighbourhood. Although residents have shown some efforts to plant trees to improve the living condition, a holistic approach from both the government and the community is needed in the redevelopment of the neighbourhood.

Multi-criteria approach to passive space design in buildings: Impact of courtyard spaces on public buildings in cold climates

Passive design has widely been identified to be one of the most economical and effective strategies for sustainable building. However, the research on verification of passive design strategies is in its initial stages. Currently, its test method and verification conclusions are not sufficiently scientific to validate. This study introduces a new logical framework to assess building space performance. A multi-criteria approach has been developed to validate and optimize the influence of passive spaces on sustainable buildings from the perspectives of building environment quality and occupant satisfaction. Building environment quality was judged by fieldwork physical environment tests, including indoor thermal, lighting, indoor air quality and acoustics data in the operating phase. A voting method designed to test satisfaction was developed to evaluate the occupants' satisfaction with the building's overall environment and space efficiency. Considering both the relationship between the building and people, and the building and the environment, from the dual perspectives of building design and building environment control, a comprehensive judgment model for a Comfort – Satisfaction Matrix was developed to display the regulation capacity of the building's environmental performance in the passive space. Finally, an in-depth fieldwork survey of six types of passive courtyard spaces in cold climates was conducted as an example to validate the developed multi-criteria approach. The results indicate the level of environmental performance of each object building, and highlight optimized possibilities for passive space and the whole building in the design and renovation phases.

Reconstruction of the Courtyard Spaces of the Historical Buildings of Saint-Petersburg with Creation of Atriums

The paper is dedicated to the creation of the atriums in the historical centre of Saint-Petersburg for improving the quality of courtyards. Since 19 century Saint-Petersburg was built mostly with brick buildings along the perimeter of allotments with founding one or several courtyards. “Well-like” courtyards of historical buildings of Saint-Petersburg have typically a lack of illumination and insolation, are badly ventilated and are often transformed into parking lots for inhabitants.Possibility of glassing of “well-like” courtyards is analyzed from the viewpoint of historical buildings protection regulation of Saint-Petersburg and norms of insolation and illumination of the dwelling buildings, basing on the actual experience in the creation of atriums in Saint-Petersburg.