Publication: The Role of Courtyard Spaces in Vietnamese Vernacular Homes and Their Adaptation in Modern Interior Spaces
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Type
Thesis
Degree
BA
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Published Version
Abstract
In Vietnamese Vernacular architecture, the courtyard is the central element and space of the
house. It simultaneously serves different and multiple functions such as ventilation, lighting,
social interaction, washing, cultivation, and other cultural practices. However, in recent years,
with rising population and urbanization, Vietnamese urban houses have become increasingly
compact, with buildings stacking vertically and their horizontal space shrinking. As a result, the
courtyard becomes more challenging to integrate within the new and contemporary houses. This
thesis will explore the challenges facing the integration of the traditional courtyard into
contemporary Vietnamese houses while keeping its cultural meaning and essence. This research
will analyze the meaning and history of the courtyard in traditional vernacular Vietnamese
architecture and how it was built in adaptation to the climate and the surrounding environment.
The topic of urbanization will be reviewed to understand the problems that it causes in house
design and how it brings limitations to the design choice for life needs. This paper will also
address how the adaptation of the traditional courtyard offers new possibilities for designers to
reintegrate cultural elements into contemporary Vietnamese houses while keeping the balance
between tradition and function.