Strong case for courting tranquility

The benefits of courtyards in hot, arid climates have been well documented in studies of vernacular architecture; they provide a simple, but effective, way of moderating the environment. In the Islamic courtyard, for example, water is used as a cooling medium, and also for its calming psychological effects. In his book “Courtyards: Aesthetic, Social and Thermal Delight”, John Reynolds explores some interesting aspects of the form and provides a well-researched analysis of a number of established, small courtyards (or patios) in Mexico and Spain. They are all charming, mainly domestic, and clearly reflect both the climate, and culture, of these regions. But in temperate zones, arguably we have overlooked this formal device, and missed an opportunity to use courtyards fully as part of the design solution, especially in moderating the environment. Put simply, the courtyard in hot climates allows us to escape from the sun, whereas in temperate and cold climates it provides an opportunity for the sun to penetrate the building. A goal for good design is that it should be universal, so while looking for examples of successful courtyards we may stumble upon solutions from other building types. This article considers three aspects of this issue: design parameters for successful solutions; the environmental benefits of courtyards, and their psychological and social importance. There is no doubt that these spaces can make a contribution to the quality of design for most building types, and in particular for healthcare buildings. They could even improve patient recovery times and the general well-being of staff. The question posed by this article is – can we learn some of these lessons to produce a better healing environment, and enrich the experience of our design solutions for all? Design Courtyard houses in the Middle East reflect the nomadic influences of the region. Instead of officially designating rooms for cooking, sleeping, and so on, these activities were relocated throughout the year, as appropriate, to accommodate changes in temperature and the location of the sun. Often the flat rooftops of these structures were used for sleeping in warm weather. In some Islamic cultures, private courtyards provide the only outdoor space for women to relax unobserved. The traditional Chinese courtyard house is an arrangement of several individual houses around a square. Each house belongs to a different family member, and additional houses are created behind this arrangement to accommodate additional family members as required. The Chinese courtyard is a place of privacy and tranquility, almost always incorporating a garden and water feature. In some cases, houses are constructed with multiple courtyards, with increasing privacy as they recede from the street. In the first half of the 20th Century, a trend developed in Los Angeles around courtyard houses with architectural and landscaping elements combining to create a real communal space; practical, safe, and of the right scale. These courtyard houses were so successful that they have been copied throughout the west coast of the United States.

The ‘feel’ of different spaces

 As architects we often talk about the “feel” of a space. This can be about differing levels of enclosure – whether a single wall, L-shaped forms, or more complete enclosures – and the proportions of the courtyard are important. Too much enclosure in our northern European latitudes and it can feel dark and claustrophobic; in effect the courtyard becomes a deep, dark slot, and we probably know a hospital where such “lightwells” have been used. Too little enclosure and there is no sense of the space as a whole. The answer is to create a “sense of place”. One successful example of how to use outdoor space is that of architects Herzog de Meuron in its project REHAB in Basel. This facility, in which the architects use a series of enclosed courtyards within a rectangular plan form, is designed for patients who have received a spinal-cord or brain injury, where long-stays are typical. The plan form is instantly legible. The architects have achieved an absolute connection between indoor and outdoor space which heightens the sense of independence for patients. Too often though, our own aspirations for design can lead to less successful results, and I look back on a primary care centre, designed a number of years ago, which I think could have been better. Although the proportions for the courtyard seem to work, the fact that patients are discouraged from using it does not help to lock this space into the building. It is simply a space to walk around, rather than use. Perhaps over time patients and staff will be encouraged to use it, and it will prove to be an asset, rather than a liability.