Environmental and socio-cultural transition from traditional courtyard dwellings to contemporary housing practices in Morocco: insights from Arab and East Asian regions

Abstract This research explores the socio-cultural shifts in housing practices, specifically the transition from traditional courtyard dwellings to contemporary housing arrangements in Morocco. The courtyard housing typology, with its roots in Neolithic settlements, embodies a fusion of local architectural traditions with modern techniques, offering inspiration for humane and sustainable design. Influenced by social, environmental, and cultural factors, the courtyard house has played a pivotal role in the traditional Moroccan architecture. This research study employs a qualitative methodology based on secondary data sources, conducting case studies in different climatic regions to explore the socio-cultural shifts from traditional courtyard dwellings to contemporary housing practices in Morocco. The study also provides insights from successful examples from Arab and East-Asian regions to provide evidence of the applicability of courtyards in diverse cultural contexts. These case studies provide in-depth examinations of the modern transformations of courtyard housing and the emergence of collective housing models. This research aims to provide a holistic understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics shaping housing practices in Morocco, while drawing valuable insights from modern transformation of courtyard housing examples in Arab and East Asian regions. The challenge lies in adapting these insights to create modern courtyard houses aligned with current needs exploring the potential for a contemporary revival of courtyard design, blending past and present values to create responsive urban forms that meet the evolving needs of modern society.