Adapting the Concept of Courtyard in Long–Narrow Attached Houses as a Sustainable Approach: The Saudi Experiment

Abstract

Studying and investigating the concept of courtyard in residential buildings in contemporary Arab architecture allows the distinctive nature of tradition to be reinterpreted in the context of the contemporary era. Although most Arab people link the courtyard house with the traditional lifestyle, an increasing number are keen to see the courtyard typology adapted to modern needs. At this point, critical research questions are raised; how can we adapt the courtyard typology to modern needs, what design principles should be followed, and what are the likely urban consequences.