Courtyards, an urban lifeline?

Sammanfattning: Even if the courtyard as a specific area lacks a clear description within PBL, there is a relatively unified view of what the courtyard is within research and academic work. The view of the courtyard as an extension of the living room has been repeated by several and suggests that the courtyard is a place that should accommodate and enable uses connected to the home. This common meaning is not only valid for our time but also historically. The Swedish courtyards have throughout history been marked as a compiling surface for what the home was unable to provide as well as being an insight into the spirit of the times. In a period where we live more isolated from our neighbors, the social context has changed, and the purpose of courtyards has become increasingly blurred.Based on three selected study areas, this paper aims to examine, from a planning perspective, the role of the Swedish courtyards in society and how they are used and can be used to fulfill more sustainable cities. Results show a generally passive attitude to the design of today's courtyards, where its outcome relies heavily on the developers' implementation. The result also shows the importance of creating spatiality, perceived emotions, and assets within the courtyard already during the planning stage in order to not only be able to offer attractive courtyards, but also sustainable environments within cities in a metropolitan environment.