Courtyards

Courtyards are outdoor spaces open to the sky that are surrounded by a building or complex of buildings. They are often designed to create a pleasant microclimate and improve access to natural light and ventilation.

Related Components

Component-Specific Considerations

  • Central courtyards that permit greater natural light penetration and improved passive ventilation into the center of a building.

  • Windows, skylights, and interior courtyards as these allow natural light to penetrate deeper into a building floor plate, reducing daytime electrical demand.