The Spaces That Breathe Life
In the grand narrative of architecture, spaces are not just about walls, roofs, and floors. They are about experiences, about how we move, interact, and connect with our surroundings. One of the most profound yet increasingly overlooked elements in contemporary architecture is the semi-open space—the in-between realm that blurs the boundary between the indoors and outdoors.
From the pillared courtyards of ancient Indian havelis to the deeply shaded verandahs of South Indian homes, semi-open spaces have long been an integral part of traditional architecture. These spaces weren’t just architectural features; they were places where stories were exchanged, where families gathered, and where nature seamlessly blended into daily life.
The Soul of Traditional Indian Architecture
Ancient Indian architecture, whether in temples, homes, or palaces, embraced semi-open spaces as a fundamental design principle. Courtyards (Aangan), Verandahs, Jaalis, and Chhatris weren’t just aesthetic elements—they had social, climatic, and functional significance.
- Courtyards (Aangan): The heart of traditional homes, where cooking, drying grains, and social interactions happened under open skies but within protective walls.
- Verandahs: A shaded extension of the house, offering respite from the harsh sun while maintaining a connection with the outdoors.
- Jaalis (Perforated Screens): Designed to allow air circulation while providing privacy, a passive cooling technique still relevant today.
- Chhatris & Pavilion Spaces: Common in Rajput and Mughal architecture, these semi-open domed structures were places for relaxation and reflection.
These spaces were more than just architectural responses to climate—they were designed to enhance human interaction, create transitional experiences, and maintain a continuous dialogue with nature.
Why Have We Forgotten Them?
In the fast-paced world of urbanization and real estate-driven designs, efficiency has taken precedence over experience. The compact “box-like” nature of modern apartments and commercial buildings has nearly erased semi-open spaces from our daily lives.
- The courtyard has been replaced by artificially lit living rooms.
- The verandah has disappeared, giving way to small balconies (if any).
- The jaali screens have been forgotten, replaced by air-conditioned interiors.
With shrinking spaces and a focus on maximizing built-up areas, semi-open spaces are often seen as a “waste” of square footage. But in doing so, we have lost the essence of adaptable, climate-responsive, and socially interactive spaces.
Why Semi-Open Spaces Still Matter
Even in contemporary architecture, semi-open spaces can be reinterpreted and revived to create more humane, breathable, and functional designs. Here’s why they are essential:
- Climate Responsiveness: Open-to-sky courtyards and shaded verandahs naturally cool homes, reducing reliance on artificial cooling.
- Mental Well-Being: Spaces that blend nature with built form reduce stress and enhance the feeling of openness.
- Community & Interaction: They create buffer zones where people can meet, relax, and interact in informal settings.
- Flexible Usage: Semi-open spaces can serve multiple functions—meditation areas, reading nooks, play zones, or even semi-outdoor workspaces.
- Sustainability: Encouraging passive cooling techniques and reducing energy consumption, semi-open spaces align with eco-conscious design principles.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Space Between
Semi-open spaces are not just architectural elements; they are the soul of a home, the heart of a community, and the bridge between built form and nature. The images illustrated above are some of works done by SINGLE BRICK Studio and as we move forward in redefining urban living, we must revisit the wisdom of the past—where homes breathed, walls whispered, and spaces embraced life in all its forms.
It’s time to rethink our approach. Maybe the answer to our modern living struggles isn’t just more space—but better space. A space that listens to nature, adapts to human needs, and revives the joy of open-air living…