A Study on Designing of Institutions with Courtyards in the Current Scenario

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

M.ARCH LANDSCAPE 1ST YEAR
R.DEEPIKA
2016802003

ABSTRACT

Contemporary Architects have interpreted courtyards as elements with play of light and shade, profile, solid
and void, hidden surprises, transitional spaces and vistas. It is based on theoretical, philosophical and cultural
background following the principle, “Whole is greater than the sum of its parts”? The Interpretation is on
courtyards with respect to conception of intermediary space, theory of form and its suitability for various
functions in built forms. Courtyards offer comprehensive expressions, a variety of spatial experiences
connecting us with the natural environment. This paper explores the design of courtyards specific to institutions
for higher education in Indian context.

Keywords—courtyard; architects; contemporary;

INTRODUCTION

A Courtyard is an open to sky space in the building either enclosed or partially enclosed on 2, 3 or 4
sides depending upon the zoning of the space. Courtyards are common architectural design element throughout
the world. The Courtyard were not new to the Indian context, it would have been originated in history around
6500-6000 BC. The Idea of having open courtyards in the centre and planning of the rooms around it is a brain
child of Harappan and Mohenjo-Daro Civilization [1]. Earlier Courtyards were incorporated in residential
buildings later the importance of courtyards was felt and it was incorporated in commercial, institutional,
recreational and industrial buildings for social interaction and environmental enhancement, the courtyards have
always been perceived as a climate modifier, thermal comforter ,the other aspects of the courtyards have been
unseen. In Vaastu Shastra the courtyard in centre is considered as the “Brahmasthana” were a strong energy
axis is established between the person and the universe. The Idea of having courtyard in the centre is
customized by the contemporary architects to show variation in space. The traditional symmetrical and closed
form can be replaced with asymmetrical balance of more interacting spaces and appropriate for contemporary
lifestyle.

A. Courtyards in Institution

Institutions act as a Power House of Knowledge, which imparts innovative ideas, creative thinking and tangible
effects. The institution governs the behaviour of the individuals. The students are exposed to higher level of
stress due to frustration, depression, fear, anxiety, financial problem, self esteem problems, and interpersonal
conflicts [2]. The strict environment in the institution will ruin the students’ academic and extracurricular
performance. In this scenario, the design of campus is not only a place for study but it should also satisfy the
mental needs of the students to think clearly and to learn new skills. The surrounding, where student study
must enhance their quality of life.

The Architecture of the institution is usually incorporated with larger open space, wherein the
individual is lost with respect to scale of the built environment; the Contemporary Architects have visualized
Courtyards as Public, Semi-Public and Private courtyards depending upon its location and function of the
space. The Courtyards with respect to its position establish a sense of direction. The various elements
surrounding the courtyards like colonnades, arcades, murals, paintings, softscape and hardscape adjoin an
aesthetical excellence, which in turn generate a visual treat to the users and sometimes create hidden surprises
to the users. It is believed that many innovative and creative ideas blossoms in the outdoor surroundings, from
regular classes to informal debate. The Courtyards promotes impromptu discussions and meetings [3].

B. Courtyard Arrangement

Designing of courtyards must have flexibility, but generally the profile of the courtyard is rectangle and square
but it can also be circular, curvilinear or with polygonal shapes. The design of courtyard depends upon the
topography, site conditions, orientation of the building. The profiles of the courtyards are similar to the
alphabets like L, U, H, T, V or Y [4]. The design also depends on the form whether it is enclosed on 2, 3 or 4
sides [5].The Courtyards can either be on exterior or interior .The exterior courtyard is more for meeting and
gathering while the interior courtyards are more for lighting, ventilation and gathering. The proportion of
courtyard is important because the width, length to height ratio if mishandled, the courtyard looks more like a
shaft, used only for the purpose of lighting & ventilation.

METHODOLGY

Information is collected from case studies on institutions with courtyards with unique design parameters.
Interpretive is the methodology adopted to analyze the courtyards in various institutions done by Contemporary
Architects through qualitative analysis in order to interpret the meaning of the information by drawing
Inferences. Interpretive Approach aims to explain the subjective reasons and meaning that lie behind the social
action. In this approach, Analysis, Synthesis & Interpretation are constructed by the authors adopting the role
of observers [6].

A. Analysis

In analyzing the courtyards in institutions which were designed by contemporary architects, certain design
parameters were adopted for courtyard. The identified design parameters of courtyards are as follows [7]:

• Shape – Rectangle, Square, Circle, curvilinear or polygonal shapes

• Form – Fully Enclosed, Semi enclosed (4 sides,3 sides or 2 sides)
• Volume
• Proportion
• Typology
 • Light & Shade
• Solid & Void
• Vistas
• Hidden Surprises
• Physical Features – Softscape, hardscape, paintings, murals, jalli, water cascades, Niches
• Function Quality – Outdoor classes, discussions, meeting, Celebrations

The other components such as fenestrations, horizontal & vertical articulated spaces are considered for design
development. The design parameters have been analyzed with an intention to signify that the courtyards are
not only microclimate modifier but also an aesthetical component which is inseparable in the design of
institutions.

Table 1. Role of Courtyards in Institutions

B. Findings

The analyzed factual data with the design parameters have been interpreted that the courtyards have
transformed the architectural language of institutions, perceived as serious learning environment. However,
architecture have addressed the spaces more dynamically and happening spaces promoting education in a
positive outlook. The Courtyards in the Management, Arts & Science, and design based campus vary according
to its physical, psychological and pedagogy. Visual exuberances are addressed, which paves the way for
everlasting memories amongst the minds of the students during the period of study. The Table: 1 highlights
the role of courtyard in the Institution.
 Table 2: Interpretation of Courtyards in Institution Highlighting the Aesthetical Component

Importance of courtyards as an aesthetical component giving clear direction and orientation as displayed in
Table 2. The parameters are critically analysed with the study of courtyards in the institution, the concept of
green corridors, the play of light & shade, solid and void is incorporated to promote courtyards as a key element
while designing. The positioning of the courtyard directly influences the nature of activity to be carried out.
The strict and boring environment is broken by creating an inspirational atmosphere for the future generation.
More open space meaning more creativity and innovations.

CONCLUSION
The perspective of courtyards in institutions has been transformed by the contemporary architects, who
interpreted the essence the courtyards not just as a microclimate modifier but also as an aesthetical component.
The architects have weaved the grammar of nature's vocabulary "courtyard" in almost all institution,
incorporating public, semi-public and private character depending on its necessity. The people associated with
this kind of environment will definitely experience creative realm.

The courtyards have become important feature in campus design, which reduce spatial ambiguity. The
courtyards links pathways, wherein some are covered and some are open, creating vistas and focal point. The
green open to sky space on either side of the corridor breaks monotony within the block. The design allows
rhythm, freedom, repetition, balance to create harmony. The courtyard is more intimate, which no other part
of the building has, understanding the real essence of courtyards the paper concludes the aesthetical importance
of courtyard in institutions, which is applicable for all learning environment from different perspectives like
students, faculty, visitors etc can be further explored.

Ethical clearance – the images from the secondary sources (website) is properly cited in this paper

Source of funding- Not Applicable

Conflict of Interest – Not Applicable

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