The courtyard is a fundamental design aspect of the residential complex Magnolia Hill: a housing typology frequently used in the first half of the twentieth century, capable of creating proximity, security, and privacy, and revisited by the Brooks + Scarpa studio.
The studio Brooks + Scarpa for Magnolia Hill, compared to various architecture projects, renounces the typical solid fences of the residential complexes in the area in favor of a cubic form that celebrates the courtyard and shared space, at the expense of private space, offering shelter and comfort at the same time.
The new mixed-use housing model is located on the outskirts of the famous Valley Village in Los Angeles, and its design is the predominant feature: a perforated aluminum facade that shines in the sun and reflects at night, which reduces noise, improves privacy, and does not compromise on spectacular views and good ventilation thanks to the countless perforations it is made of.
The courtyard acts as a mediator between the urban environment and the intimacy of the apartments, offering residents multiple outdoor gathering spaces and increased privacy, while still engaging with the surrounding neighborhood. Compared to traditional buildings, the space around the courtyard provides a sense of greater security and seclusion while connecting to the community outside the building's walls.
