SPATIAL ORGANIZATION OF COURTYARD AREAS IN MODERN SOCIAL HOUSING

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to identify the patterns of spatial organization of courtyard areas in modern social housing and to determine how the relationship between transit, stationary, recreational, and landscaped zones affects the quality of the residential environment. Methods. The research is based on spatial, comparative, typological, and graphic-analytical methods. Four implemented social housing projects were examined through graphic zoning of courtyard areas. Pedestrian routes, areas for staying, recreational spaces, and landscaped zones were identified, and their planning structures were compared. Results. Two characteristic types of courtyard organization were identified: the «garden square» and the «plaza». The «garden square» type is distinguished by the predominance of landscaping, a developed system of pedestrian connections, and the presence of areas intended for prolonged use. The «plaza» type is characterized by a significant proportion of hard surfaces, the dominance of transit spaces, and a smaller share of landscaped areas; its formation is often associated with underground parking. It was established that the quality of the courtyard environment depends not only on the size of the territory but also on the logic of pedestrian routes, functional zoning, building entrances, and public functions located on the ground floors. Conclusions. The rational spatial organization of a courtyard requires a balanced relationship between movement and staying, a clear hierarchy of pedestrian connections, a sufficient proportion of landscaping, and the minimization of excessive transit areas. The proposed typological distinction may be used to evaluate and improve architectural and planning solutions for social housing at the design and reconstruction stages