More than just space between buildings: how modern courtyards are changing family life

Brother residential complex by system developer RIEL is an example of how a well-designed courtyard can become a center for active, healthy, and comfortable leisure activities. Now it is not just an area between the entrances and the parking lot, but a place for family and relatives to spend their free time, according to Channel 24.

The courtyard as an element of well-being: why it is important

Megacities lack safe and convenient spaces for everyday life. Families dream of a place where they can go with their children, preferably close to home. In addition, the courtyard is the first and last space that residents see every day. This means that it can directly affect their quality of life.

The Brother residential complex project has already taken all this into account:

• a promenade, sports areas – accessible activities without membership fees;
• places to relax and cafes – spaces for conversation and spending time together;
• all of the above are ideal places to meet and talk with neighbors.

In the center of the residential complex, there will be a pedestrian promenade with cafes, a supermarket, interactive children's and sports areas. The residential complex is designed to avoid the “urban wall” effect. Buildings ranging from 8 to 16 stories in height alternate with 9-story sections, and the space between them is “alive” rather than simply existing.

Modern approaches to residential complex planning

The idea of modern urbanism is that it is not only important where people live, but also how they feel in that environment. This is facilitated by the so-called principles of happy planning, which include:

• the presence of parks, access to water, and a positive soundscape in residential complexes;
• the opportunity to communicate, walk, ride bicycles, and create communities;
• the presence of playgrounds not only for children;
• accessibility for all categories of the population.

Another relevant concept is the 15-minute city. This is when everything you need is within walking distance. For example, there is a lake, three schools, and four preschools near the Brother residential complex. Within the complex itself, a kindergarten has been designed, as well as sports and play areas for both children and adults.

A high-quality environment means less stress

The need for “happy planning” is confirmed by scientific research. As it turns out, the environment in which we live directly affects our psychological state:

• walks in green areas improve mood and reduce stress levels;
• access to sunlight during the day reduces the risk of depression and increases life satisfaction;
• social interaction reduces anxiety and provides emotional support, which helps to combat stress.

One well-known study on social isolation states that loneliness increases mortality rates. People who interact with others frequently are 50% more likely to live longer and happier lives.

Interestingly, according to a survey, 67% of people worldwide consider community to be more important than individualism. That is why Brother Residential Complex was designed to strike a balance between privacy and a sense of belonging, taking into account IKEA's concept of togetherness.

This is confirmed by the experience of Nextdoor, an American social network for interaction between neighbors. Residents of a building can communicate in the style of “who has white paint?”, give away and sell their belongings, as well as discuss and solve problematic issues.

How a space for play becomes a space for living

In new urbanism, play is a form of interaction with space, created according to the playground concept. These are not just playgrounds with swings, but also:

• Montessori spaces for children;
• street gyms and TRX zones for adults;
• interactive art objects;
• benches where you can play chess.

This concept has been fully implemented in the Brother residential complex. Here, play and sports areas are integrated into the everyday environment: they are not isolated, but become part of life, a meeting place for neighbors, and simply a source of joy and inspiration.

In the Brother residential complex, the space between buildings is not just an area that residents pass through on their way home from work, but an environment where they really want to spend time.

So, according to the developer RIEL's concept, the courtyard of a building is a space that is comfortable, interesting, and safe for residents of all ages. The Brother residential complex is precisely the kind of complex where the courtyard will become a place for meeting, inspiration, and everyday happiness.