This thesis studies the use of night ventilation as a passive cooling strategy for a traditional courtyard house in a hot dry climate. This was done by CFD simulation of the house and its surroundings, using weather data for Baghdad. The simulation was done for a large number of scenarios in which each represented a change in one of the house elements, such as courtyard and room dimensions, and in some cases included modern technologies such as a ceiling fan. The thesis suggests that performance should be calculated with the aid of a "Night Time Effectiveness Ratio" (NTER) and time constants. The findings show that building elements can change the performance to various degrees, that the airflow patterns inside the rooms change from day to night, and that the thermal conditions during the day depend more on the intensity of solar radiation than other factors. The results show that a courtyard house can ensure the thermal comfort for its residents. However, it needs some assistance from new techniques such as fans to keep the air quality inside the house within acceptable limits. The values for NTER from initial simulations are around ten, which indicate that night ventilation is not enough for cooling the building. However, the values drop to less than one by using a small and narrow courtyard with a two-level house and a gallery around the courtyard. Also, it is necessary to have a connection between the courtyard and alleyway at ground level in the night only and to cover the courtyard during the day. The windows have the largest role in deciding the performance of night ventilation. Ideally they should be small and tall, or preferably a pair of windows separated by a vertical distance and kept closed during the day. The effects of room dimension are clearer in affecting the thermal comfort more than improving the performance of night ventilation. The research also examines the indoor air quality and suggests ways to improve it. Some of the ways are traditional like the use of a wind catcher in ventilating the courtyard and the basement, and others are more modern like using an exhaust fan. Furthermore, it suggests an algorithm to control these ways and to introduce only a limited quantity of fresh air to avoid excessive warming. Suggestions for future work are given, including tests for more elements in the courtyard house and for longer duration runs. It would also be helpful to study the use of latent heat storage (e.g. phase change material) as an additional effective thermal mass.

The study deals with the reconstruction and appropriate functional use of the castle in Hrušovany nad Jevišovkou. The castle is conveniently located in the city center but is in a state of emergency and can not be used at present. The design offers a new use of the historical premises of the castle and the whole area. The goal is to make the castle available to local residents and tourists.

The study deals with the castle of the Moravský Krumlov and the former stables located nearby. The main purpose of this thesis is the reconstruction of the whole mansion, the renewal of its life on a daily basis and the avoidance of a complete dilapidation of the building. The chateau is being used multifunctionally, emphasis is added to the Slovanská epopej by Alfons Mucha, the artwork which represents the successful historical period from the past. The major part of the building is occupied by a gallery and an exhibition, which brings us to so called artistic incubator, another part of the chateau which was designed to provide sufficient background as well as enough place for acommodation . The castle also offers a hall for holding cultural events and receptions, free time activities centre and several appartments. The building of the stables is being used as a restaurant and an accomodation. The integral part of the whole area is also the courtyard , surrounded by ramparts (walls), where brand new exhibition entitled Příběh epopeje is about to be made.

The subject of this diploma thesis is the issue of courtyards. Courtyard as a specific place in the city, which has lost its original function. It can serve different types of usage, among other things, it enables meeting of different groups of the city's inhabitants and their interaction nowadays. Unlike the public space, other terms of usage can be seen in the courtyards. Various social relationships can be observed in dependece of its usage. I deal with the process of negotiation of city dweller groups at two selected courtyards, the rules of their functioning and how the role of the decision- makers forms these places. I have deliberately decided to use courtyards with different visitor functions. Conflict between different views on their usage and disagreements can be seen in these courtyards. Key words: courtyard, semi-public space, negotiation proces, urbanism

The built environment in the old city of Homs has been brutally destroyed by the conflict in Syria. The research gap in post-conflict planning and architectural design in the old city of Homs is alarming as it indicates that there are no clear roadmaps on how to deal with post-conflict housing units in such a historic area. This study aims to investigate the possible design basis of housing typologies and plans for the housing units in the old city after the conflict. This study is primarily based on a literature review and extensive discussions with a specialist architect from the city of Homs, who helped to gain a deeper understanding of how to approach such a topic. The literature review deals with the historical Arab cities’ components and the elements of courtyard houses both in general and in the old city of Homs in particular. Likewise, it looks at the city’s urban plans and building code and their shortcomings and highlights the current conditions there. It also highlights proposed strategies for post-conflict construction and discusses them. The findings of the study propose a design ideology for reconstruction strategies and translate these ideologies and findings from the literature into a practical design of typologies placed on a proposed plot of land in the old city, along with a proposal of what the plans of these houses might look like.

The subject of this thesis is an urban and architectural study of the area around the historical Gate of Matky Boží in Jihlava and a proposal for a development plan for this part of the historic centre. From the point of view of the context of the whole city and the integration of the area into its structure, the proposal restores the pedestrian permeability of the area by means of a footbridge connecting Matky Boží Street with the suburb. In addition, two parking structures are proposed on the site to help minimize the parking problem in the historic core and make way for new public spaces. The architectural portion of the work deals with the renovation of two historic houses owned by the city. The emphasis is on a new, sustainable functional use of the spaces of these listed buildings. The result is the design of a complex of two houses with a publicly accessible inner courtyard, which together form a vibrant part of the urban centre of Jihlava suitable for living, working, culture, entertainment, leisure and recreation.

This thesis wants to save character and identity of local territory and bring a new function in to the historical objects. So it offers comfortable and special living and brings new values for the local inhabitants.

The project builds on the existing structure and character of the place, the potential uses of the courtyard and offers accommodation at the family home in the city center instead of the satellite. LIFE IN THE CITY!

The aim of this master's thesis is the design of a poly-functional town house within a complicated topographic situation of Pekařská street's foothill defining its functional content following the neighborhood necessities analysis, mutual function relationship, construction and expression medium, by understanding organism of the city, its evolution, potentials and actual problems.

This diploma project deals with a problematic area called Black Meadow in Ostrava. It proposes a school building which is located on the edge between the city centre and the greenery by the river. The shape of the building creates two courtyards. The entrance courtyard is open to the park and the second courtyard is oriented to the city.