On a hot summer day it has opened up its arms to the smells of pickles dried in its embrace wafting the hot air.. On a rainy day the squeaking of kids running around with paper boats dominated the sounds of the splashing raindrops.. On the day break when the shining sun clears the misty sleep, the sweet songs of morning birds resonating the space greets the early risers.. On a starry night the air carries the whispers of the night gazers counting stars making memories...
Hmm.. You must be thinking of what I am going on about, right? I am talking about "Courtyards"... Yes, the space and the word we all know, our own open altar to the universe. It is bound by the walls of our abode as we dearly call Angan/Murram/Pranganam
The first sneak peak of courtyards -
Courtyards have been a part of our dwellings and urban spaces across the globe for a very long time. The first evidence was dated back to the excavations at Kahun in Egypt from 5000 years old. Through thousands of years different courtyard housing are demonstrated at the Middle East, which were regarded as the oldest known examples (Ayhan & Neslihan, 2011). Later on, this type of building was seen in western cultures such as Greek and Rome (Abdulac, 1982). In Italy at 700 B.C , a new courtyard design which is referred to as atrium house were introduced. This concept is developed from the old form, the purpose of this type is to provide private outdoor space. The idea of these courtyards are explored further in Persian architecture. During this time the philosophies: "Private courtyard" and "Passive cooling elements" were developed.
Arriving into Indian Peninsula -
The origin of traditional Indian courtyards can be traced back to the Indus Valley civilisation. Climate and culture have always influenced the construction of different kinds of buildings in the past. Courtyards in India were not bounded as an architecture style but as a way of life. Courtyards reflected the society of the time and controlled the character and atmosphere within the house. Courtyards have different names like nalukettu (the central courtyard surrounded with set of rooms) of Kerala, haveli of Rajasthan, wada houses of Gujarat, houses in pols of Ahmedabad, traditional houses of Goa, etc.
The lay-out of the traditional (tharavadu) houses in Kerala was simple and designed to cater to a large number of people who lived in the joint family system. Houses in Central India have many courtyards. The first courtyard is known as the baithak (the sitting place). Another is near the women’s area called the inner courtyard. These courtyards have beautiful facades and rich variations in decor elements. What’s fascinating is that these courtyards not only define the perfect spatial organisation of those times, but also act as centres for rituals, marriages, festivals and social gatherings. By looking at various houses in India, this shows that the concept of creating a home around a large space.
Passive Cooling? Yes, please start with the courtyards -
Passive cooling is a non-mechanical cooling technique focussing on heat dissipation and heat gain control designed to improve indoor thermal comfort with no or very less energy consumption. In short, it means less electricity bills, no air conditions yet fresh cool and pleasant living conditions. The first step towards achieving this goal is through "Courtyards". The courtyard as passive design device works as a modifier of the microclimate and acts as a heat sink and cold air storage. The working mechanism of the courtyard depends on the cycle of day and night. This is a result of a continuous change and the difference in air temperature between the inside and outside of the courtyard. It can be achieved through these steps:
During the night, cool air being heavy sinks into the courtyard, subsequently, flowing to the surrounding rooms. As a result, the surrounding spaces and surfaces are cooled until noon. During this period, the courtyard works as storage of cold air. As the surrounding rooms are used in the day time, temperature becomes humid/hot. As a result, humid temperatures rise up during the period of the day. This humid air escapes into the courtyard while cold air is flowed into the rooms, thus, keeping up nominal temperatures.
As the surrounding rooms heat up at noon, the courtyards acts as a vacuum. At noon, the direct sun increases the temperature of the courtyard heating up the air. The hot air inside the courtyard space starts to rise up gradually. As a result, there will be vacuum formed in the lower region. Hence, hot air from the surrounding rooms flows into the courtyard through openings. This results in the temperature to fall in the surrounding rooms creating a cool aura.
As the night cycle starts, the courtyard and the surrounding rooms get warmer over the day. This results in accumulation of warm air in the surroundings. The warm air leaks out through the open space creating a cycle to the cool air storage for the next day.
So, our open air galleries act as fun family get together spaces creating childhood memories. It also helps us to create a natural and eco-friendly way to create a passive living conditions. It gives us an opportunity to wear our green shoulder tags while saving our pennies. So the next time you move or build a home don't forget to have your own courtyards. 'What best way to do your part in saving the planet while embracing our heritage'....
Very great information 👌👌👏👏