COURTYARDS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Courtyards have been referred to as microclimate modifiers due to their ability to moderate high temperatures, channel breezes, and adjust the degree of humidity. However, while tapping into the inherent potential of the role of courtyards as temperature modifiers, under certain circumstances, contemporary design solutions may be implemented.

Courtyards are often rendered abandoned if the wind is too harsh, a storm too heavy, or the rain too uncomfortable. People close their windows and find shelter in the seclusion of their rooms. To provide opportunities for shared spaces during rainy days can be pleasant for some. Transformable glass ceilings designed over the void could provide a controlled environment within the courtyard.

JHAROKA – NOT JUST A BALCONY

Another prominent architectural feature of the Walled City is the jharoka – it is a traditional, oriel window projecting from upper-stories of a building, used in medieval Indian architecture. It extends from the façade of the building in an upper-story overlooking a street, market, or any other open space (Zulfiqar 2018).

The prominent elements of a jharoka include a cantilevered balcony with a canopy or pyramid on the top, jalis or lattices, fence, pillars and brackets.