User's Perception of the Relevance of Courtyard Designs in a Modern Context: A case of Traditional Pol Houses, Ahmedabad

Courtyard designs were prevalent in India and around the world for ages because of their utility as a climate modifier, a space for social interaction, and a connecting area for the entire house. The globalization and liberalization of India in 1990 has changed people's lifestyles and resulted in courtyard designs losing their significance. They prefer living in modern housing based on western architecture. However, there is a considerable population still residing in courtyard houses. This study explores the benefits of the traditional courtyard houses and their relevance in the present context. The survey questionnaire aims to know the user's perceptions of the courtyard design, such as spatial, environmental, and behavioral aspects. The data is analyzed across various parameters of courtyard design, such as thermal comfort, natural light, visual connection, privacy, security, activities during the day and different seasons, etc. The results show that people like courtyards because they provide thermal performance during peak summer, natural light, privacy, security, visual connection, space for daily and seasonal activities. This paper recommends designs for courtyards based on the literature review and the analysis of the user's perception.