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. This paper attempts to answer the previous questions and address the issue of adapting the courtyard concept in the long-narrow attached houses as a sustainable approach for hot arid regions. To tackle the research problem and answer its questions, a Saudi experiment of two contemporary courtyard housing projects will be analysed, investigated and discussed. Saudi Arabia is one of few countries in the world where most people still adhere to a strictly traditional way of life whilst at the same time having the wealth to possess advanced means of technology. Through the selected two projects the concept of courtyard will be examined and assessed in the long-narrow attached houses to set design principles and guidelines that could be followed in dealing with the issue of courtyard in contemporary residential buildings in the region. The paper discusses the characteristics and advantages of long-narrow attached courtyard houses in the region. it also examines the appropriateness of this approach for housing projects in the region with particular focus on the new urban developments in Egypt.