Transformation of the courtyard house--low-rise high density urban housing in Korea

Abstract

The idea of low-rise high-density urban housing is based on two fundamental objectives: 1) To provide higher density by intensifying land use as urban growth escalates at an unprecedented rate. 2) To reconsider the essential qualities of house - a house with a garden, light and air. Modern high-rise apartments provide greater density and improved living conditions in terms of proper sanitation, electricity, and open space. But it lacks individuality and promotes a high degree of anonymity leading to limited social contact between neighbors. It dissociates the house from the ground and creates ambiguous open space between buildings. Single-family detached houses provides individuality and open space but detachment is not only meaningless but highly inefficient in terms of land use The courtyard house provides an alternative solution by combining advantages of individual house and high density housing. Its introverted nature allow dense clustering while maintaining a private open space. The design takes this traditionally horizontal aggregation of dwellings one step further to increase its potential density. It proposes a vertical courtyard house while maintaining access to light and air, visual and acoustical privacy, efficiency of construction, and a revitalization of street life and open space.