Modern Courtyard Design

Modern courtyard design elevates human consciousness over natural forces. It emphasizes thought over feeling but does not completely ignore feeing. Abstract ideas are treated with equal value to the more commonly understood concrete forms of daily empirical reality.

Modern courtyard design works on one level by creating visual tension and interest with alternating contrast and symmetry. The perimeter will often be designed as a standard or derivative geometric shape, and then decorated within with opposing or complimentary geometric patterns.

For instance, a square modern courtyard can be designed with a patio that is punctuated by expanding concentric circles and radiating lines. A circular atrium can be contrasted by a diamond pattern or square block pattern on the patio surface. A patio of any type also can be segmented into alternating areas for seating and plantings.

The above illustrations show how modern courtyard design relies heavily on minimalism to achieve its ends. Simplicity is the key to key to achieving creative success. Taking only basic geometric shapes, curves, and linear lines with sharp angles, we can distort or extend these patterns into an infinite variety of shapes or expanding lines of movement.

Radii are used a great deal in modern hardscapes because they force the eye to first travel inward to their originating point, then move outward again. This back and forth movement unconsciously suggests the infinite contained within finite space.

Another element of minimalism that is key to modern courtyard design is the selecting the appropriate number and species of plants. Colorful flowers do not work well in these settings because they are too suggestive of traditional gardens and Nature itself. Shrubs with dark green leaves and white or purple blooms constitute the extent of color decoration in the majority of modern courtyard design.

Virtually any type of hedge, shrub, or small tree that fits this description will work, provided the amount of organic material never overpowers the human element. It is essential that natural elements be used only to support man-made patterns, never the other way around. As a general rule, vegetation should total no more than 30-40 percent of the space here. The rest should be inorganic and geometrical.

Aside from these few basic principles, there are little restrictions way a modern courtyard can be designed. Much like modern art, it is a highly subjective style that allows for tremendous client input and creative freedom on the part of the landscape professional.

Because of the innate diversity for which it allows, the modern courtyard is one of the most popular forms of hardscape design and common in a wide variety of settings. It is equally popular in commercial, academic, municipal, and residential environments. Depending on the setting, it is most commonly used as a break area, reading area, or private space for personal conversation.