Urban Courtyard Housing Form as a Response to Human Need, Culture and Environment in Hot Climate Regions: Baghdad as a Case Study

Abstract

Courtyard housing is an important dwelling type in human history. It was founded in many ancient histories of different countries and climate zones. Many factors influenced certain types and forms of urban courtyard houses in order to create better living environments. This study try to explore some criticize points about basic human needs of courtyards. Which it refers to environmental and social backgrounds during past times, which it selected to analyze two contemporary types of traditional sample work in Baghdad. Drawings and framework used to understand the ideology of courtyards as well as other factors related to territory, society, psychology, culture and environment. Religion and traditions of Baghdad have played a special role. Through time and across cultures, territorial and environmental factors were found to be highly relevant to almost all the courtyard-housing forms. This study might be helpful for architects where they undertake contemporary design works.