The Significance of Oman Domestic Courtyard Architecture and its Potential Application in Malaysia - Husin, Zulkifli; al-Muʼtamar al-Duwalī: ʻUmān wa-Duwal Janūb Sharq Āsiyā wa-al-Ṣīn: Āfāq Thaqāfīyah wa-Tārīkhīyah wa-Siyāsīyah wa-Ḥaḍārīyah (2016) (Kuwālā Lumbūr) (Kuwālā Lumbūr : Markaz Dhākirat ʻUmān, 2016)
Omani domestic courtyard architecture is a significant phenomenon in cultural, environmental, structural and, most importantly, religious terms. Among the advantages of the Omani domestic courtyard are its introverted orientation, its role as a space organiser, its function as transitory space, its action as a climatic moderator, and its multi-functional character. These advantages contribute considerably to the house as an entity in fulfilling its roles and functions as a focal point for dwellers in general and for Muslims in particular, allowing divine principles to be inculcated into their lives. Oman is one of the earliest world civilizations, dating to the third millennium BC, and its domestic courtyard architecture has not only been influenced by other ancient civilizations such as the Persian and the Syrian but has also influenced countries across the globe. The paper examines the potential application of this architectural tradition in the Malaysian context.
Permanent citation identifier: MHF-OMANSEAASIA-004.
Text in English.
Keywords: Courtyard architecture; Omani architecture; Islamic architecture; Climatic design; Malaysia; Vernacular housing