Comparative Study of the Middle Eastern Vernacular Courtyard Houses Based on the Biophilic Design Patterns

Abstract

The Biophilia hypothesis posits that a connection to nature is an innate human desire. By creating architecture that is an extension of nature, this desire will be satisfied, and consequently, it will positively affect mental and physical health. Along with identifying pertinent biophilic design strategies, the study aims to reexamine the Middle Eastern vernacular courtyard houses from a biophilic perspective in addition to comprehending the significance of sociocultural elements and the physical environment in the presence of the patterns of biophilic design in domestic architecture. The qualitative Comparative Analysis method is adopted. Three case studies of three distinct vernacular courtyard houses from different cities—Baghdad, Damascus, and Mardin—are re-examined. Data from reported studies that have been conducted to survey the architectural elements of the traditional houses of the selected cities are used to achieve the study. The study revealed that the Middle Eastern Vernacular Courtyard Houses are biophilic structures that use a variety of strategies to be in close proximity to nature, which had an impact in determining the final form of each dwelling. The biophilic strategies vary according to the particulars of different cities' local contexts. The study also shows the role of climate, geographical location, and sociocultural factors in the presence of biophilic design patterns and in identifying relevant strategies.