Change in Associations – Courtyards of Con-temporary Urban Housing of Ahmedabad, India

Traditional Indian homes have always included courtyards, which serve as multipurpose areas for cultural, social, and environmental activities. However, their function and significance in modern urban homes have significantly changed due to rapid urbanization and changing architectural trends. By contrasting their historical uses with present user attitudes and usage trends, this study investigates the shifting associations of courtyards in modern Ahmedabad homes. The study investigates how people currently view courtyards—whether as a luxury feature, a practical necessity, or a nostalgic architectural element—using a primary survey of homeowners. The goal of the study is to record changes in preferences and spatial associations while pinpointing the major drivers of these shifts, such as climatic factors, space limitations, and lifestyle adjustments. The results demonstrate how courtyards, which were once necessary for daylighting, ventilation, and social interactions, are now frequently transformed into passive green spaces, semi-private retreats, or attractive focal points. This study advances a more comprehensive understanding of courtyard spaces in modern urban living by examining these changing functions. It fills a gap in the literature about courtyards' emotional and practical transitions and their applicability in contemporary urban housing. The study emphasizes that although courtyards are still found in urban homes, their associations have changed because of urbanization, shifting family dynamics, and contemporary design tastes.