استكشاف التحولات في الأفنية الداخلية وأثرها في جودة الحياة في البيئة السكنية: نهج تحليلي للمنازل العراقية المعاصرة

Ola Luay Al-Zubaidi; Dana Khalid Amro

doi:10.35516/Hum.2025.8184

Authors

Ola Luay Al-Zubaidi Master student at Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7207-9008
Dana Khalid Amro Associate Professor, Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9706-5032

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2025.8184

Keywords:

courtyard, traditional architecture, contemporary architecture, quality of life, interior environment, cultural and social impact.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the transformation of contemporary courtyards in terms of form and function and their impact on social and environmental aspects.

Methods: A mixed-method approach was used. Interviews were conducted with nine house owners and four architects and experts. Additionally, electronic devices measured temperature and humidity in nine study cases of courtyard houses—two traditional and seven contemporary—across five Iraqi governorates: Baghdad, Babylon, Mosul, Basra, and Anbar in July and August 2023.

Results: The transformation of courtyard designs began in the early 20^th century, driven by urban development, social and economic changes, western architectural influences, and new building codes. Traditionally, courtyards were central spaces; however, contemporary designs have evolved into small skylights called ‘Al-manwar’, which are commonly peripheral. Functionally, the modern courtyard has lost much of its environmental and social significance. Traditional courtyards enhanced indoor environmental quality by lowering temperatures by 10–12°C, improving humidity, providing sufficient lighting and ventilation, and reducing dust. In contrast, contemporary courtyards (Al-manwar) show limited benefits, with most temperature differences not exceeding 5°C, although some study cases in Mosul, Babylon, and Basra registered better differences (7–10°C). Contemporary courtyards do not improve humidity noticeably but offer adequate lighting and ventilation. Socially, ‘Al-manwar’ has limited positive effects compared to the traditional courtyard.

Conclusion: The study underscores the need to understand and revive the traditional courtyard's philosophy in contemporary architecture for its environmental and social benefits.

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