Apoorva Paliwal. Guide: Ar. Seemantini Nakil.
Dr. D.Y. Patil School of Architecture, Ambi, Pune, 4th Year B.Arch.
Email: apoorvasanjay1601@gmail.com

1. INTRODUCTION
Due to the increase in debates on climate change and
sustainability in different regions, sustainable and green
building constructions have been on the rise. Building
design forms must not ignore atmosphere contemplations.
An elective way to deal with the manner in which the
buildings are designed is expected to enhance the
environmental performance of buildings and limit their
expense of running it, which could incorporate power and
water utilization.
Courtyard is a universal design element which has been
tried for several times of years all around the world.The
use of courtyard as an integrated means of architecture in
different building around the world has been dated back to
centuries ago.Courtyardis a building element that is
originated from the hot and dry region. It is basically anCourtyards are common architectural patterns throughout
many periods of history and in many regions. They are
referred as a micro climate modifier, which may improve
thermal comfort conditions in the enclosed as well as the
attached built volume. It is an architectural design element
commonly applied in tropical buildings for its social,
environmental and therapeutic potentials.It is influenced
by social, economic, cultural and environmental
conditions.Most households have employed the courtyard
for different purposes and activities. The courtyard serves
as a means to provide natural light, cool air, privacy as
well as security to the surrounding spaces within the
building.The courtyard system comes in different shapes
and sizes depend on the size of the building and the region.
It could be square shape, I-shape, rectangular shape,
circular shape or amorphous etc. Courtyards as the open
spaces of houses play the most critical and effective role in
absorbing solar energy, so controlling sunshade -due to
thermal comfort necessity- is really important in
architectural system of buildings.Proportions, placement
directions, materials and courtyard form play the major
role indetermining the solar energy amount on various
surfaces of courtyard and providing visual and thermal
comfort for residents.The courtyard building has been
recognized as the representative building of the hot dry
regions and a valuable answer to harsh climate. Solar
radiation, as one of the most influential parameters of the
hot and dry climate, can have an influence on the design.1.1 HOT AND DRY CLIMATE
Hot and dry climates are typically found between 15° and
35° north and south of the equator. In these locations,
stable descending air and high pressure aloft create hot,
arid, conditions with intense sunshine. Hot and dry
climates are generally hot, sunny and dry year-round.
Maximum daytime summer temperature goes as high as 45
degree centigrade and relative humidity as low up to 20
%.In this region, the wind is usually local. Whirlwinds,
especially in the afternoons are associated with sand and
dust. Sand and dust is another reason for employing
courtyard building form in such areas; because it protects
the courtyard building from whirlwinds. 2. METHODOLOGY
The conduct of the research paper is employed on the basis
of two methodologies:
1) Unobtrusive: It includes library study on the concept of
sustainable architecture, hot and dry climate and
courtyards as passive cooling techniques, type of
courtyard.
2) Literature case study: Three different buildings of hot
and dry climate zones of world are selected for the case
study. This study is carried out to identify the effects of
orientation, proportion and geometry in each case.
Selection process of cases was based on the following
criteria:
a) Climate selection: The study was carried out for hot and
dry climate zoneswhere there is largely unbroken sunshine
for the whole year due to the stable descending air and
high pressure aloft.
b) City selection: Two cities namely Rajasthan (India) and
Negev (Israel) are selected from the hot desert climate
regions. These regions witnesses strong whirlwinds with
sand and dust. 3.1 SOURCES OF HEAT GAIN
Major heat input is subjected to the occupant‟s metabolic
activity and from the use of artificial lighting and other
appliances resulting in internal heat gain. The heat gain is
also depends on building type. Solar radiation is another
major source of heat gain. The incidence of solar radiation
[fig.03] on external surface varies with time, location and
site condition; however, its effect indoors strongly depends
on the building design, orientation and the way spaces are
used in the building. The courtyard geometry is related to
the solar path and since the sun is the main source of heat
and the solar radiation, being dependent on the altitude and
latitude it is important to study. The basis of climate
responsive design is to make use of such energies to
maintain the thermal comfort inside the building, when the
outdoor temperature is out of comfort level.4. CASESTUDY
4.1 COURTYARD HOUSE BY AR. SANJAY PURI,
RAJASTHAN, INDIA.
The design of the courtyard house is in correspondence to
the hot and dry climate of the Rajasthan where strong dust
winds and sandstorms are common. There are series of
courtyard [fig.05] in the house but two of them are main
courtyard [fig.04]. The two courts are linked by open
corridors.