Green Architecture is a
concept developed to encourage sustainable development. It brings
transformation to design and construction in both developed and developing
economy. The paper analyses the nature of design and construction in Nigeria on
the basis of green and sustainable practice. It surmises that the concept of
green architecture will affect the nature of architecture and design which
depends on the choice of materials, the construction techniques, the calculated
cost of construction and the climatic conditions in Nigeria. It posits that the
developmental concept of green architecture in Nigeria will encourage
sustainable development and environmental protection.
Green Architecture and Courtyard
System:
Green architecture, or green
design, is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on human
health and the environment. The "green" architect or designer
attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building
materials and construction practices. Green architecture entails adequate
natural ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling,
appropriate energy-efficient lighting and appliances, adequate and appropriate
landscapes that ensures maximum passive solar energy. Generally green
architecture ensures minimal harm to the natural habitat. Location of building
on site, including access, and utility supply routes; Arrangement of internal
rooms, and doors and windows; Dimensions of building and environmental
components Finally it takes into consideration the Color, texture,
ornamentation of building in relationship to the environment.
A Court or courtyard is an enclosed area, often a space enclosed
by a building that is open to the sky and areas in inns and public buildings were often the
primary meeting places for some purposes, leading to the other meanings of
court (Wikipedia, 2012c). Courtyards have always been part of residential
architecture for a very long time. It has been historically used for many
purposes which included cooking, sleeping, working, playing, gardening, and
even places to keep animals (Wikipedia, 2012c).
One of
the great attributes of courtyard design concept is that it allows for good
fenestration and privacy. It allows for good flow of indoor and outdoor
activities thereby removing the pressure of activities within a given space.
Courtyard regulates the micro climate within the enclosure through the free use
of vegetation. In densely populated areas, a courtyard in a home can provide
privacy for a family, a break from the frantic pace of everyday life, and a
safe place for children to play. With space at a premium, architects are
experimenting with courtyards as a way to provide outdoor space for small
communities of people at a time.
In contemporary African setting like in
Nigeria, one of the finest aspects of cooking and dining outside is to enjoy
the nature with friends and family which is accommodated in a courtyard.
Courtyard design accommodates
the requirements of the permanent resident, whilst offering the flexibility
required by the transient occupation of holiday accommodation. In traditional
houses, courtyards perform an important task as a modifier of climate. It
allows outdoor activities to occur with protection from wind, dust, and sun
(Petherbridge, 1995).
Courtyards serve as light-wells in a building type that restricts
exterior windows (Wikipedia, 2012c). They also serve as air-wells into which
the cool, dense night air sinks. Since the courtyard is usually protected by
walls, loggias, or galleries sun rays do not heat it until later in the day.
When the sun reaches the court and heated air rises, convection current set up
airflow that ventilates the house and keeps it cool Abarkan and Salama (2000).
References: Abarkan, A. and Salama
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