optimizing courtyard design for thermal performance: a study on shadow and sunlight dynamics in traditional houses

The rising interest in outdoor activities in modern society is influenced by evolving urban lifestyles and complex city infrastructures. courtyards are central in this shift, impacting microclimates and managing shadows and sunlight for thermal comfort. this study explores how traditional houses, particularly courtyards, adapt to challenging weather, focusing on the relationship between their design elements and their impact on shadow and sunlight. the goal is to optimize courtyard design for better shadow and sunlight during both summer and winter. data from 16 traditional courtyard houses in the hot, dry climate of yazd were analyzed using envi-met software for the shadow-sunlit index. the findings highlight the significant effects of width-to-height and length-to-width ratios, and courtyard orientation on this index, accounting for 70.9%, 25.7%, and 3.4% respectively. the arab-ha house emerged as an exemplar for optimizing shadow and sunlight dynamics. this research emphasizes the importance of courtyards in urban design and contributes to advancing sustainable architectural practices.