Indigenous courtyard houses

Indigenous courtyard houses (particularly those in towns and cities in the regions of the hot-dry climates) have largely satisfied the needs of their inhabitants from many points of view. They have also made a positive contribution to the housing stock, built environment, architectural output, urban fabric, and cultural heritage. Therefore, their advantageous characteristics covering all aspects should be identified, analysed and assessed objectively, systematically and (where possible) scientifically; they include those of functional requirements, family life, social customs, community traditions, religious demands, urban planning and urban design, architecture, passive solar design, and economics. Here, a checklist related only to their characteristics of passive solar design energy-efficient design and energy conservation are identified for analysis, assessment and appraisal.