In the Absence of Structure, the Atmosphere Can Be Full: A Comparative Study in the Historical and Modern Uses and Effectiveness of Courtyards in Public Spaces
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Barone, Annmarie Hirst
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Barone, Annmarie Hirst. 2022. In the Absence of Structure, the Atmosphere Can Be Full: A Comparative Study in the Historical and Modern Uses and Effectiveness of Courtyards in Public Spaces. Master's thesis, Harvard University Division of Continuing Education.Abstract
AbstractCourtyards evoke a sense of safety and beauty. Most people envision a quiet space for meditation and quiet gathering when imagining a courtyard—indeed, enclosed garden spaces have been a part of human structures for thousands of years. The restorative benefits of the refreshment of the outdoors is known and research continues to show how natural environments are beneficial. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the common elements of courtyards that have stood the test of time, are continuing to be visited because they are appealing places to be; literally just be present in them because they are inviting spaces and to apply those elements to public secondary school courtyards in the United States. This thesis analyzes the use of Jay Appleton’s theory of landscape preference of humans—prospect/refuge theory and proposes that academic courtyard spaces also need to combine two more elements to be appealing spaces—the essence of the oasis and the hearth. By examining past and present successfully used and enjoyed courtyards, comparing them to a case study of a neglected courtyard with a targeted survey of public secondary school staff, it was found that to be appealing in an academic space, a courtyard should be a place to gather (hearth), restore and refresh (oasis), have a view (prospect), and have a sense of protection from the elements (refuge). Regarding the hearth, a focus in the middle of the courtyard was not as important as much as the ability to gather socially or for academic purposes. The restorative properties of an oasis as a courtyard were also important. Research has shown that especially in an academic setting, where so much attention is intense on learning, a break in nature which can be provided by a courtyard can be extremely beneficial. Directed attention carries with it fatigue and natural environments can provide restoration for staff and students. By combining the four elements of the sense of prospect, refuge, oasis, and hearth, public secondary school courtyards can be restorative places for rest, learning, contemplating, and gathering for students, staff, and even the community.
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