RIAD

Punctured by light.  That’s the best way I can describe a Moroccan Riad.  This page comes to you from Morocco.

I was not aware of this specific type of structure until last week and this week.  We have been staying in Riad houses the past 1.5 weeks as we traverse the country.

A riad is the arrangement of living spaces around a central courtyard open to the roof.  The typical riad is two stories, although there are many single story versions.  The entire orientation is inward looking.  Fenestration on the exterior is infrequent and small.  Usually there is some type of fountain in the courtyard space.

There is such a great sense of quiet and reflection.  After you come thru the door, the entire exterior world drops away.  And you do feel this great sense of peace and calm.  Much of this is inspired by the Islamic precepts of privacy.  And of course it supports the concept of hijab.

And there is, of course, an economic component driving the concept.  Riads were built by the wealthy.  If Marrakesh is any indication, the world immediately surrounding the Riad was complete chaos.  So to be able to leave the chaos of the lower classes at your door as you retreat into the calm of your house also had to be part of the parti.

The centrally placed courtyard was also a response to the heat.  Thick walls and hard surfaces keep the interior spaces cool.  And the courtyard promotes natural ventilation.

It is also about the light.  As the sun moves across the sky, the light is constantly shifting with changing shadows.  And since there are typically trees growing in the courtyard, the light is then modulated by the leaves and branches.

Of course there are many variations of this courtyard centered design.  The Greek megaron is only one example.

It is simply a wonderful plan for living.

My drawing above uses the Transparent Drawing Choisey One Point projection method.