Courtyard Houses: Exploring the Environmental and Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Courtyard Houses in Korea and Morocco

The courtyard housing concept integrates both local and universal architectural traditions, aiming to create designs that are humane and sustainable. Originating from Neolithic settlements, courtyard planning provided security against external threats, demonstrating its enduring significance.

Understanding the evolution of courtyard housing involves exploring three pivotal factors: social, climatic, and cultural influences. In regions like Morocco and Korea, these factors have intricately shaped courtyard houses, resulting in a complex interplay of evolutionary forces. While courtyards are appreciated for their ability to moderate hot and arid conditions, socio-cultural conditions rooted in tradition and religious beliefs significantly influence architectural and spatial arrangements.

This book explores the characteristics, evolution, and variations of courtyard houses across diverse cultures, seeking to uphold the concept of the courtyard house by investigating its social, cultural, and environmental roles in the past, while also envisioning its potential in shaping the future built environment.