A courtyard or court is a circumscribed area, often surrounded by a building or complex, that is open to the sky. Courtyards are common elements in both Western and Eastern building patterns and have been used by both ancient and contemporary architects as a typical and traditional building feature.

A courtyard is an open-air area surrounded by tall walls or buildings, typically located in a building’s center. Modern courtyards are an architectural feature most commonly seen in office spaces and universities, where students and workers can relax, eat, or talk to peers.

: a court or enclosure adjacent to a building (such as a house or palace)