ABSTRACT
The generation of courtyard architecture in the south of China can be traced back to post-Ch’in Han times, when Han people in central plains migrated southward gradually, in order to be adapted to the southern hot and drippy weather, they mixed the form of north courtyard house with the architectural form of “upstairs hall” in Huizhou region in early stages to form a group house similar to the north courtyard house, which could prevent theft and wind. However, the patio is a narrow spatial form, i.e. courtyard architecture (Li, H. 2005). Such a courtyard architecture shields the intensive eastern and western exposure in summer, and guarantees the daylighting of front and rear halls and outshots; and the catchment between eaves and the water storage and conduction of inner pools and drain ditches can regulate the humidity, and the chimney effect of courtyard
1 INTRODUCTION
A traditional Taiwan street house in Lukang stretches across two streets, and generally does not have outward opening windows, so there is a courtyard in the backside of hall. In the old time, the courtyard was a family gathering place in the summer, and brought much fond memory to the entire family. This study discusses the form of courtyard, evolutionary process, and the green concept implied in the courtyard architecture. Moreover, it probes into the coincidence of courtyard architecture with the most important subject of living space in the present trend of green buildings.
