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When Americans talk about getting rid of lawns, they generally assume that means allowing just sparse or natural growth over the same construction arrangement.
by wrp 2y ago
When Americans talk about getting rid of lawns, they generally assume that means allowing just sparse or natural growth over the same construction arrangement. I'm thinking of Tucson, Arizona and places around New Mexico.
I think there is a much better approach. I'm lived around the Middle East, where most residential planning is around walls and courtyards. It's a wonderful use of space. I would always prefer a house with a courtyard over the traditional American open layout, lawn or no lawn.
- arbuge 2y agoCorrect. In Europe and Mexico, South America etc. this is also the building pattern. The walls of the house go up to the sidewalk and all the yard space (if any) is at the back. And maybe a courtyard, as you said.
- lo_zamoyski 2y agoThis is also common in Mexico. Spanish influence. It creates a private space for the residents, which I think is nice.
- DoughnutHole 2y agoI have to assume this is entirely because American architectural practices are ultimately derived from England’s, where courtyards are not particularly helpful. They make perfect sense in warm, sunny regions like the Mediterranean because they provide a shaded and comparatively cool area on hot sunny summer days. The courtyard giving shade is a negative in England since it seldom gets very hot and so people are actively trying to enjoy the sun, not hide from it. And as a double whammy a courtyard means more exposed walls so a home that’s harder to heat in colder winters. Of course plenty of Americans live in places much hotter and sunnier than England - but their English heritage has left them with standard building practices unsuited to their environment.