This ‘one’ special feature of traditional Indian homes is missing now and why it needs to make a comeback

Modern homes today are designed with comfort, style, and functionality in mind. High-rise apartments, compact houses, and contemporary layouts have become common in many cities. While these designs often prioritise efficient use of space, many traditional architectural elements that once played an important role in daily life have gradually disappeared. Earlier homes were thoughtfully designed to respond to climate, lifestyle and community needs. Among these forgotten features is one unique architectural element that was once at the heart of every Indian home, a space that connected nature, family, and daily life. The lack of this feature is now being felt more and more, and architects today believe that its revival will greatly enhance the quality of living.

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The traditional Indian home was typically built around a central open courtyard referred to as the "aangan." The aangan was essentially an open space that was positioned at the center of the home and was surrounded by rooms on all sides. This design facilitated the entry of sunlight and air into the home.


The aangan was the center of the home where many daily activities took place. Children played in this place, while the elderly took a break in the fresh air. Family members also gathered in this place for discussions in the evenings. Various activities in the home, such as drying grains and preparing food, took place in this open space.

The aangan was an open space that was exposed to the sky. This meant that nature was brought into the home. Sunlight entered the home through this space, while air circulated freely through the rooms that surrounded the aangan. This was a very important design feature that made homes more comfortable, especially in warmer climates.

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One of the greatest advantages of an aangan is that it provided natural ventilation. This means that the rooms in a house with a courtyard remained cooler as hot air naturally rose and escaped through the open space. This is a very simple architectural concept that allows for temperature control in homes without any artificial means.


Homes with a courtyard remained naturally illuminated due to the availability of sunlight. This significantly reduced the need for artificial lighting during the day. In addition, this architectural feature provided a cheerful and healthy environment in homes.


Having a courtyard in homes also meant that there was fresh air. This is due to the fact that plants could be grown in such areas. In today’s urban homes, this architectural feature is becoming more relevant due to the lack of air circulation.

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Apart from its practical uses, the aangan had a major social and cultural significance too. It was the area where the family congregated for celebrations, festivities, and other gatherings too. Even small events, such as having tea in the evenings, were conducted in this open area.

Traditionally, many cultural events were also held in the aangan. It included everything from early morning prayers to rangoli designs made for celebrations. The aangan helped in building family bonds too, as it was a natural area for congregating.

In today’s homes, the availability of shared spaces is very limited, and most members tend to spend their time in their rooms. The lack of such a space might lead to a lack of interaction too.

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As cities grow and housing becomes more compact, architectural designs often prioritise maximum built-up space. While this approach accommodates urban density it also removes open areas that once enhanced comfort and well-being. Reintroducing courtyard-style designs even in smaller forms, could help restore some of the benefits that traditional homes offered. While it is understandable that a 'typical' aangan is not possible in apartments-open places like balconies can be a central element in these homes.

Modern architects are now realising the importance of courtyards in sustainable architecture. A small open space can enhance lighting, ventilation, and energy efficiency in the house while also providing a relaxing area. And

More importantly, it helps in reconnecting with nature and bonding the family members in today’s fast-paced life. Even in today’s modern homes and apartments, a well-designed open courtyard or skylit area can help in recreating the same warmth and functionality of this traditional element in the house.

The aangan was never just an empty space in a house; it was the heart of the house itself. As modern architecture continues to evolve revisiting such traditional concepts can help design homes that are not only stylish but also healthier and more harmonious to live in. And for those living in apartments-baconies can be left open, without grilling or glassing them up. It may seem like a useless empty space to some, but it actually is the only window that connects a home to the world.

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