From the backyard to collective gardens in the “blue-courtyard”: Reversing the process of upgrading historic timber-framed courtyard buildings in Madrid

This paper presents an analytical framework for evaluating the impact of the two main processes identified in Madrid timber-framed courtyard buildings reinforcing the courtyard's crucial role in architectural heritage sustainability: their development caused dwellings to darken (1737–1950), and the existing challenge is to open new patios according to the listed buildings' protection policy.

Critical findings in archival research and existing building assessments led to completed data collection and analysis. When exploring construction expansion, from the house towards the collective prototype around a gradually reduced patio and dwelling darkening (1737–1786), buildings resulted in open, semiopen, underlighted and closed designs. Study area on-site assessment uncovered the transition from the older low-rise type (1–3) floors to the modern closed model of up to (4–6) storeys.

Construction enlargements, consequently reducing original green areas and courtyards, call for reversing that process or formulating a new strategy. It debates the partial demolition of listed buildings in upgrades and its agreement with the needed “blue courtyard” strategy (PGOUM), resulting from joining new rear individual patios to create a communal building block courtyard. The uncovered “in-between” type (1864), which integrates two open-air collective spaces, an inner courtyard and a back garden, appears challenging to explore.