Internal Courtyard Research Articles

MODELLING STUDY ON CENTRAL COURTYARD SHADING STRATEGY IN TROPICAL CLIMATE REGION MALAYSIA

A courtyard is an open multi-functional space and an effective daylight passive design strategy in a building. However, to have a courtyard in a tropical country, it had to deal with the issue of visual discomfort, which requires some consideration in adaptation to the climate condition. These visual comfort issues include inconsistent light distribution, inappropriate illuminance levels, glare, and a lack of shaded areas. The focus of this research paper is to address the solution of shading strategies towards the visual discomfort issues associated with courtyard spaces. The solution is done by modelling study method on courtyard ratios and courtyard configuration to determine the effect on the internal courtyard percentage shaded area. This research aims to explore the potential benefits of using courtyards as a daylight shading design as a strategy in buildings. Besides, it is also to examine courtyard design variables in enhancing visual comfort, particularly in the context of commercial building design in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is chosen to represent the tropical climate region. The aim is achieved by identifying optimum courtyard ratios that can improve daylight, shading, and visual comfort that make courtyards functional and usable spaces. Results show that a small and deep courtyard is found to be best suited to tropical climate conditions with the configuration of the courtyard’s height being double the size or more than the size of the courtyard’s width. This courtyard ratio is able to produce a full shaded area during daytime. While courtyard length does not have any impact on the percentage of shaded area, wide and narrow courtyard need to adapt to the tropical climate constraint by having aided shading strategies such as multi-layered height of trees, independent covered structures like a canopy or gazebo, shading panels, awnings, and extended roof overhangs.

Effects of landform and building layout on outdoor thermal environment: a case study of mountain villages in severely cold regions

ABSTRACT In the global context of climate change and frequent occurrence of extreme temperature variations, the impact of harsh climates on the outdoor thermal environment in remote, cold, mountainous villages is particularly pronounced, leading to many negative effects. The geoorphology of the village sites and their building layouts are important factors affecting the outdoor thermal environment. Therefore, exploring the spatiotemporal characteristics of these factors is significant for optimizing village construction and improving living environments. In this study, taking Fangjialiang Village in a cold mountainous area as an example, we analysed the outdoor thermal environment from a spatiotemporal perspective through comprehensive field investigations and measurements. The findings obtained are summarized as follows: (1) Landform elements were limited by boundary and azimuth constraints (difference in time temperature decay rate between the valley interior and valley edge area: ΔK = 0.48°C/m). (2) The temperature inversion phenomenon in the valley was significant (the average rate of temperature increase with elevation was 0.037°C/m). (3) The vertical distribution of the temperature was more susceptible to the influence of the difference in elevation inside the village (ρ≈–0.48). The average rate of temperature decrease with elevation is 0.489°C/m. (4) A compact building layout could sustainably weaken the effects of topographic elements (e.g. the average temperature sequenced as: closed internal courtyard (Avg = 14.60°C)> semi-open horizontal village street (Avg = 13.58°C)> fully open space (Avg = 13.11°C)). Therefore, the results of the study further revealed the coordinated relationship between the natural environment and rural settlements, proved the integrated effects of village siting and building layout, and provided useful insights for the construction and living environment optimization of mountain villages.

Antwerp's Royal Museum of Fine Arts

AbstractThe Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium, reopened after an 11‐year renovation. In addition to completely cleaning the exterior façade of the neoclassical building, a new, modern wing was built inside former internal courtyards—a glossy, white cube with very high ceilings and a dramatic 100+ step flight of stairs. The historical part of the museum was also fully renovated to its original grandeur. The collection was reinstalled, and the overall interpretive strategy focused on making the art approachable to a multigenerational and multicultural visitorship: Eschewing chronology, paintings are grouped by themes, texts are user‐friendly and encourage interactive experiences, and special activities are available for children. Short videos are also available in some galleries that provide context, explain specific art techniques, or contain games. A wide range of experiences is available to museum users, somewhat consistent with an approach proposed by the Smithsonian Institution's IPOP framework. The reviewer found the reinstallation and related user experiences a relevant, people‐oriented model for 21st century art museums.

A Study on the Spatial Pattern of Traditional Villages from the Perspective of Courtyard House Distribution

As clan and blood relations are the essential core of rural social attributes, the rise and fall of the main family names in a village not only affects the spatial arrangement of their internal courtyard houses but also influences the overall spatial pattern of the village. Taking Pei Cheng Village as an example, in this study, quantitative analyses, such as those entailing standard deviation ellipse, kernel density, and space syntax, are incorporated to investigate the changes in rural family names’ courtyard houses and the historical context for these changes to reveal the influence of the evolution of courtyard house distribution under a given social structure on the overall spatial structure of the countryside at the micro- and meso-scales. The results in this study show that there is strong aggregation and bonding associated with the main family surname in a village and that such surnames have an important correlation with the village centre and spatial structure formation. Notably, the distribution of the surname-bearing clan courtyard houses has a certain degree of consistency with the spatial pattern of the village, with the main space corresponding to the main family surname, the secondary space corresponding to the secondary family, and the underdeveloped space corresponding to mixed family surnames. On this basis, the spatial system grading of Pei Cheng Village is summarized, providing a fundamental basis for future planning of Pei Cheng Village facilities and other aspects of planning, such as the selection of locations.

The Impact of Internal Courtyard Configuration on Thermal Performance of Long Strip Houses

A courtyard is an essential space for natural lighting and natural convective ventilation of residential buildings in hot-humid climates. This study focuses on the internal courtyard configuration on the thermal performance of long strip houses (LSH) in the hot-climate area of Hainan Island, China. The aim is to identify the best design parameters for the courtyard to improve thermal comfort in modern LSH design. Appropriate strategies, including Mahoney table, field investigation, and CFD simulation, are used to determine thermal performance. As a result, the design guidelines of the courtyard are proposed to optimize the thermal comfort towards energy saving. The study reveals the spatial characteristics and climate regulation of internal courtyards in traditional LSH. In addition, the simulation results show that the enclosure with a shaded cover and a high ratio of H/D is conducive to thermal environment and ventilation, and the section of contracted shape from bottom to top is a preferred option in the internal courtyard configuration. This study should, therefore, be of value in designing practical projects with an interior courtyard for architects.

Importance of Internal Courtyards in Designing Historical and Contemporary Masjid

The architecture of Masjids has spread in areas with harsh climates and natural conditions. In previous decades, the Masjid's design was a large flat area with an inner courtyard in the middle. This architectural design of the Masjid was appropriate to the nature of the hot climate. Recently, the design of Masjids became closed and flat areas that lack ventilation and good lighting. The research paper is based on an analytical descriptive study to determine the importance of internal courtyards in historical Masjids in Egypt and the elements that affect the significance of the courtyard in contemporary Masjids. The results show the importance of using the inner courtyard when designing a modern Masjid, which achieves many positive results, regarding the climatic and social aspects, by increasing the thermal and psychological comfort of the prayers.

Assessment of thermo-hygrometric environment of historic museum building in Constantine-Algeria

Assessing the indoor microclimate of heritage and historic buildings is important to preserve them and their contents and study their decay and damage processes. This study aims to evaluate the thermo-hygrometric environment, and its impact on the exhibited objects and visitors’ comfort of an old Ottoman Palace (Ahmed Bey) converted into a museum. The National Museum of Traditional Arts and Cultural Expressions-Ahmed Bey Palace-is located in Constantine, North East of Algeria, characterized by a semi-arid climate. The building has internal courtyards and does not have an HVAC system. The most critical thermo-hygrometric parameters have been calculated and assessed in the exhibition’s permanents rooms using the HD32.3 datalogger during the winter period from January to March of 2019. The measured data were compared to acceptable values suggested by the Italian Standard UNI 10829 for artefact preservation and to the corresponding external outdoor conditions. The results show that the interior conditions of exhibition rooms are mainly dependent on the external climatic conditions. The air temperature values are out of the acceptable range, while the relative humidity values are higher than the acceptable values. Thus, the monitoring parameters are not reasonably acceptable for the preservation of the kind of objects exhibited and the thermal comfort of visitors.

Thermal Impacts of the Internal Courtyards in Compound Houses: The Case of Tamale Metropolis

The research seeks to understand the effects of internal courtyards onthermal comfort conditions in compound houses in Ghana’s TamaleMetropolitan area. Internal courtyards are an integral part of the design ofcompound houses in this location.Their inclusion in building designs is largely as a point of domestic activitysuch as cooking and cleaning and also for social interaction. However, a lotof interchanges in thermal conditions between structures and the outdoorstake place within these internal courtyards. Various design details of thebuilding will engender different thermal responses of the internal courtyard.This paper assesses thermal comfort in compound houses as againstbungalow type houses in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana by the applicationof the Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied Persons (PPD) and PredictedMean Votes (PMV) model. This prototype compares with the InternationalStandards Organization (ISO) 7730 and American Society of Heating,Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55(estimated values between 23˚C - 26˚C seen as the allowable temperatures).Ambient indoor conditions (dry bulb temperature and relative humidity)of five (5) buildings each from the two building typologies from wererecorded over a period of ten calendar months. These ambient conditionswere analyzed, consequently generating the Predicted Percentage ofDissatisfied Persons (PPD) and Predicted Mean Votes (PMV) recordings.The investigations uncovered relatively high PPD - PMV recordingsrelating to the Bungalow type buildings while the compound housesattune to the comfort zone. The Actual Mean Votes (AMV) of residentssuggests the two building typologies are all rated comfortable however; thecompound houses are rated above the bungalow type houses.

There's no smoke without fire: Smoking in smoke-free acute mental health wards.

People who smoke with serious mental illness carry disproportionate costs from smoking, including poor health and premature death from tobacco-related illnesses. Hospitals in New Zealand are ostensibly smoke-free; however, some mental health wards have resisted implementing this policy. This study explored smoking in acute metal health wards using data emerging from a large sociological study on modern acute psychiatric units. Eighty-five in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and service users from four units. Data were analysed using a social constructionist problem representation approach. Although high-level smoke-free policies were mandatory, most participants disregarded these policies and smoking occurred in internal courtyards. Staff reasoned that acute admissions were not the time to quit smoking, citing the sceptres of distress and possibly violence; further, they found smoking challenging to combat. Inconsistent enforcement of smoke-free policies was common and problematic. Many service users also rejected smoke-free policies; they considered smoking facilitated social connections, alleviated boredom, and helped them feel calm in a distressing environment - some started or increased smoking following admission. A minority viewed smoking as a problem; a fire hazard, or pollutant. No one mentioned its health risks. Psychiatric wards remain overlooked corners where hospital smoke-free policies are inconsistently applied or ignored. Well-meaning staff hold strong but anachronistic views about smoking. To neglect smoking cessation support for people with serious mental illness is discriminatory and perpetuates health and socioeconomic inequities. However, blanket applications of generic policy are unlikely to succeed. Solutions may include myth-busting education for service users and staff, local champions, and strong managerial support and leadership, with additional resourcing during transition phases. Smoke-free policies need consistent application with non-judgemental NRT and, potentially, other treatments. Smoking cessation would be supported by better designed facilities with more options for alleviating boredom, expressing autonomy, facilitating social connections, and reducing distress.

The Effect of External Openings in Buildings in Reaching Man’s Thermal Comfort

Natural ventilation is one of the important elements for creating a suitable healthy environment. It provides thermal comfort in buildings. However, the rising building densities and the high prices of land led to an increase in residential densities. Hence, high buildings appeared which obstruct natural ventilation and natural lighting and hinder the air movement around and inside the buildings there for, the need arises for studying problems stemming from opening in facades and the air movement outside and inside the buildings in order to reach natural ventilation for people’s comfortable inside the building. The present research discusses the idea of developing styles of architectural designees and exploiting modern techniques in design in order to increase effectiveness of natural ventilation through designing opening in facades in light of the phenomenon of climate change. In this research, the residential building was analyzed, ventilation was studied. Measurements were made. The research followed the analytical method for architectural elements to employ them, Such as the internal courtyards, The wind-catcher, places of openings and their measurements as well the building direction to achieve man’s thermal comfort inside the building.

The Public Interior Space Within Louvre Abu Dhabi Dome: A Visual Reflection

What defines an interior space? Is a traditional threshold the only building element considered as a clear component demarcating interiority from the outside environment? Could light or water be just as clear? How can scale challenge the identification of an internal space? Is a living space more identifiable as an interior volume? What about an internal courtyard for a family house outlining the beginning of a nation or the opposite extreme in the time-space continuum, a 24,000 square meters domed roof over a series of intimate spaces establishing a nation’s cultural intention internationally? Can a central space act as a gravitational point to other space fragments and elements? Can the ephemerality of the space bind it together in a unique, memorable encounter?We set ourselves to answer these questions using different phenomenological responses methods including digital video, photography, drawings, and architectural observations. All depict different layered trajectories through the segments of the architectural strata that compose a cultural enclosure, such as Jean Nouvel’s Louvre Abu Dhabi. As we transverses through space and time, we use regional typologies to create a timeline spectrum connecting regional context, culture and architecture, attempting to emphasise the interiority qualities of the space under the dome.

Acoustic analysis and identification of smart solutions for the acoustic insulation of a large historical building

The object of the present paper is the acoustic study of Palazzo Borghese, one of the most important buildings of the neoclassical period present in Florence, which occupies the entire block between Via Ghibellina and Via dei Pandolfini. The Palace has been interested by various architectural interventions occurred in different historical periods. In 1437 a series of grandiose works of unification, enlargement and modernization were undertaken by Michelozzo who created a grand palace with a large open loggia much admired at the time. In 1709 a large, still existing, ballroom was built with a stage for the orchestra. The last major renovation was carried out at the beginning of the nineteenth century by Camillo Borghese: on the first floor, the monumental rooms, above all the main hall and the hall of mirrors, stand out for their magnificence, with a great profusion of gilded stuccoes, marble statues, columns, carved chandeliers, paintings.Currently some areas of the building are used for receptions, conferences and events, while others are part of a receptive structure, residences and offices. The contiguity of spaces, characterized by very different acoustic requirements and by the presence of three very silent internal courtyards on which these spaces overlook, led to the emergence of numerous acoustic problems whose solution is made particularly delicate by the historical-artistic constraints present on the building. In order to identify the acoustic criticalities, several campaigns of acoustic measurements have been carried out, both during the reception activities and through the use of a sample source.This investigation allowed to determine the structural weaknesses of the building and to identify the most appropriate technical and smart interventions compatible with the structural constraints and historical-artistic protection of the property.

The role of the Internal courtyard in organizing the function and shaping architecture

Despite the development of architecture, the courtyard remained one of the most important methods of preserving the privacy and suitability of the environmental and social aspects as well as its role in the process of regulating the spatial relations between the mass and the vacuum, highlighting the importance, especially in light of the increasing seriousness of slums in the design and neglect of its role in the architectural form and reflections of the shape of the courtyard In the form of the composition of the building, thus the problem of the search was (Lack of cognitive perception available on the role of the internal courtyard in the organization of the function of architecture and its implications at the level of bilateral and three-dimensional mass configuration). And the approach of research to clarify the architectural characteristics of the structured internal courtyard and its functions and strategy as well as the patterns of spatial structure through the construction of knowledge framework, and then a comprehensive theoretical framework of the internal courtyard structured derived from the architectural proposals to reflect the final in four main words: The architectural characteristics of the structured inner courtyard, the spatial structure patterns of the structured inner courtyard, the functions of the organized inner courtyard, and the structured interior design strategy. It has been applied to selected projects to clarify the extent to which these indicators are achieved and to reach conclusions, which showed the existence of a relationship between the two (vacuum and mass) on the one hand and between the two (vacuum, and spatial organization of the spaces) on the other hand, and three aspects: Mass formation, function formation, and movement configuration", reflecting the internal courtyard structure in terms of simplicity or complexity.

The Role of Atriums and Courtyards in Improving Natural Light and Ventilation in Hospitals

Many patients in developing countries in general, and in Egypt in particular, suffer from poor lighting and natural ventilation in hospitals. Although they help a great deal in healing patients and providing a healthy environment on the one hand, and on the other hand, they help doctors to provide a suitable workplace in order to help them to perform their duties towards the patients. The energy saving in this design. The implementation of natural lighting and ventilation can help a great deal in healing patients and providing a healthy environment for them. And due to their negligence in the design of hospitals in the Arab countries, despite the importance of their application in Western countries. The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of natural lighting and ventilation in hospitals to come out with a set of guidelines and standards for the design of hospitals in general. The research depends on two major parts. The first part: The theoretical study of natural lighting and ventilation as well as their reflection on the health of patients and the performance of doctors in hospitals. In addition, the study of internal courtyards to provide them with lighting and natural ventilation to a large extent. The second part: the applied study on the hospital of the university children in Mansoura to try to improve the lighting and natural ventilation in hospitals. So, hospitals should be built on the north/south orientation and the west facade should have a low window-to-wall ratio. Then, a theoretical model was made using Fluent Anysis15 program using the equations of the amount of movement, flow and energy to find the rate of ventilation of the places where the courtyards were there, the model was solved and found that the rate of ventilation as a function in the horizontal dimension of the courtyard. This indicates that the most suitable width of the courtyard should be equal to the height of the building.

Optimising natural ventilation using courtyard strategies: CFD simulation of a G + 1 office building in Madinah

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is to investigate different courtyard designs in office buildings in order to optimize the natural ventilation. A G+1 office building in Madinah, was chosen as a case study. By using IES simulation software the predicted energy consumption compared to the actual energy consumption per year in order to validate the software. Four courtyard scenarios were proposed and analyzed in terms of energy consumption, internal humidity and comfort range, by using (CFD) analysis. It was found that an external courtyard performs better than an enclosed internal courtyard and achieves around 11.5% less energy consumption per year. Internal humidity should be enhanced using evaporative cooling techniques. The paper will discuss the more interesting outcomes.

Passive systems in traditional houses in Middle East areas: solutions and effects of natural ventilation

The Middle East area, has a specific culture and habits, enhanced by adaptation to the environment and local climate through the traditional building constructions where typical design, structures and materials represent the basis for passive strategies. In these hot-dry regions, many traditional houses consist of compact design structures with internal courtyard where the effects of thermal inertia and natural ventilation can be well exploited. This paper focuses on the analysis of passive techniques used in some houses located in Damascus old city, which are renowned for their distinctive adaptability. These traditional houses have a unique structure consisting of two levels: the first floor built with heavy mass stones, while the second has light mass (timber and mud). The presence of an internal courtyard on which several rooms of different size overlook, give rise to an appreciable natural ventilation (single side or cross ventilation) through a proper opening of windows. Based on experimental data (air temperature, air velocity) acquired during a summer period in a traditional house, dynamic simulation for different type of structures and opening are performed in order to investigate the influence of natural ventilation on reducing internal temperature and evaluate comfort conditions using ASHRAE standard. Results also suggest strategies to optimize passive techniques to reduce energy needs.

Potential Results of Using Current Thermal Rehabilitation Techniques on a City Block of Timisoara and their Structural Strengthening Opportunities

City blocks developed in settlements part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and in Timisoara in particular, are still standing today and pose common rehabilitation problems related to energy efficiency and structural reinforcement. Moreover, many of the buildings are classified as monuments and are not compatible with current energy rehabilitation techniques. The paper explores possibilities of using techniques that would allow structural and thermal rehabilitation adapted to particularities of buildings external surfaces built during the 1800s. These techniques are in use today but have to be used and combined in a fashion that doesn’t alter the characteristics of monuments and get maximum results. Using only one set of procedures would lead to losses in efficiency or would be damaging to the heritage aspect of the buildings. The analysis is done on a city block within the old walls of the fortress of Timisoara and ponders energy efficiency gains and structural reinforcement potential that could be derived from the intervention on buildings envelopes. The block is situated between the streets Janos Bolyai, Lucian Blaga, Carol Telbisz and the Ion C. Bratianu boulevard. It includes a church, two education buildings, a hotel as well as residential ones. Potential analysed interventions would be limited to surfaces situated on the thermal skins of the buildings (facades, windows, horizontal surfaces towards attic and underground cellar storage spaces). They would take advantage of the characteristics and levels of decoration used during the 1800s and 1900s to minimize the heat transfer while preserving the external look of the buildings towards streets and internal courtyards. Conclusions would be compared with results from a basic intervention with minimal or no energy efficiency goals.

Semi-fortified Palatial Complexes in Central Asia: New Work at the Great Kyz Kala, Merv, Turkmenistan

Within Central Asia there is an unusual group of earthen buildings (köshks), usually constructed on raised platforms, with vertical engaged columns forming iconic ‘corrugations’ on the exterior walls. The complexes are semi-fortified, with a second storey entrance, and often with asymmetrical ranges of rooms around an internal courtyard. Little systematic archaeological work has taken place on these monuments, which have mainly been studied as relatively eroded standing structures. However, recent work at the Great Kyz Kala at Merv, Turkmenistan, the largest surviving monumental köshk in Central Asia, has provided more details of construction and use. The excavations suggest that this complex was constructed in the 8th/9thcentury CE, with well-appointed rooms on the second storey, including a large hall, and functional rooms and storage spaces around a courtyard on the lower floor. The complex was set within an enclosure, containing gardens and possibly ancillary buildings. This particular köshk may have acted as an elite palatial suburban residence, perhaps for the governor of Merv.

The Impact of Western Culture on the Transformation of Residential Patterns in One of the Heritage Areas in Baghdad (Neighborhood CREMAT / Salhiya - Baghdad Model)

The traditional housing of Baghdadi has undergone many transformations in the past century. This is noticed in many districts of traditional Baghdad and its heritage. In this period, architectural styles with Western influences were observed as a result of the political conditions and foreign colonization that swept the country. German architecture, English and French and other models in our old heritage stores, especially in the neighborhood of CREMAT in Salhia - Baghdad. With this level of complexity of the models, we have to disclose and study during the research process to reach the mechanisms and adaptation of Western models designed for an environment of a different nature adapted to our environment and the local Baghdad and take advantage of these global experiences in the design process. Therefore, the research highlighted the influence of Western culture on our Baghdadi architectural culture to preserve the landmarks of the past so that future children can see it. Ever since man's historical awareness of the past, the present and the future, he tried to record his present and preserve his past for the future. The urban heritage reflects the cultural identity of man: his past, his present and his future. Our Baghdad Municipality has been characterized by functional organization of the elements of the house, relying on the internal courtyard to provide the necessary privacy to the population and the use of local construction materials such as bricks, plaster, stone and palms and the use of the sheds in the internal atmosphere of the rooms. All examples of Baghdadi heritage architecture share a distinctive architectural character that belongs to the region and reflects all of its cultural, environmental and social conditions. Therefore, the research will try to reach the impact of these civilizations on the Baghdadi style, especially in the residential architecture of Baghdad. The objective of the research was to describe the effects of Western culture on the architectural style of the Salhia area and its adaptation to the local style of the region while attempting to come up with new and traditional indicators of transformation in residential patterns. In order to address the research problem, which is the phenomenon of divergence in the decisions of the traditional residential patterns in the locality of the CREMAT - Salhia, and to verify the goal of the desired research, the research plan is to analyze the chronological sequence of the ancient models in the region and identifying the identity of each model and then how to diagnose changes in traditional architectural styles through its holistic calendar and the appearance of the architectural style of the Salhia in this architectural form. The results showed the impact of Western cultures on the identity of the Baghdad residential area.

Thermal Performance of a High-Rise Residential Building with Internal Courtyard in Tropical Climate

Natural ventilation is an effectual passive design approach to create a better indoor thermal condition as well as energy efficiency. The primary goal of building design is providing a healthy and comfortable indoor environment titled as sustainable architecture. Literature suggests that the significant feature that alteration has to take place on for better energy performance is the envelope design. This paper aims to augment the Window to Wall Ratio (WWR), orientation and courtyard corridor size for improving the design of naturally ventilated courtyard high-rise residential buildings. Briefly, the findings indicate that contending with WWR, orientation and courtyard corridor size could increase the potential of improving its natural ventilation and thus, thermal performance.