The courtyard as a climate-responsive and resilient spatial strategy: the case of Novi Pazar

Abstract
The contemporary built environment is increasingly challenged by climate change, rising energy consumption, and the gradual loss of spatial identity caused by standardized housing models. Within this context, traditional residential typologies represent a potential source of passive and contextually grounded design principles. This paper examines the courtyard as a climate-responsive and resilient spatial strategy through the case study of Novi Pazar.
The research addresses the following question: how does the traditional courtyard model contribute to microclimatic comfort and housing quality in comparison with contemporary residential typologies lacking courtyards? The study is based on the hypothesis that traditional residential structures organized around courtyards incorporate transferable principles of passive temperature regulation and natural ventilation, which may inform contemporary architectural design without reliance on complex technological systems.
The research adopts a qualitative methodological approach that combines theoretical and analytical literature review with spatial-architectural analysis of three representative urban zones (the historic core, a mixed urban zone, and an area of contemporary development). The study further includes field observation and a survey conducted among 30 respondents. The analysis focuses on the relationship between built and open space, the presence of vegetation, and the potential for shading and natural ventilation.
The findings reveal a clear gradient in the transformation of the courtyard model—from a preserved microclimatic system within the historic urban fabric to the near absence of courtyards in contemporary multi-family housing developments. Survey results indicate that 43.3% of respondents prefer housing with a courtyard, while 50% believe that contemporary residential construction neglects open and green spaces.
The study demonstrates that the courtyard should not be understood solely as a cultural or
historical pattern, but as a functional strategy of passive climatic regulation and spatial
resilience whose principles can be reinterpreted within contemporary architectural practice.

Keywords: microclimatic regulation, passive design principles, residential morphology, spatial
resilience, vernacular architecture