There is a demand for block courtyards. In a survey of social media neighbourhood groups, more than 60% of respondents wanted to see the separate courtyards of their apartment buildings combined into a block courtyard. A block courtyard is a courtyard shared by several housing cooperatives, which serves as a common living room for the block’s residents.
But why should be courtyards of apartment buildings be connected? And how can you promote this in your own housing cooperative? These questions, among others, are answered in the City of Helsinki’s new guide to setting up a block courtyard. The guide is available at korttelipihat.hel.fi.
In the current situation, the courtyards of apartment buildings are very different from one another with many different sizes and looks. Despite different starting points, it is possible to develop all kinds of courtyards, and the City of Helsinki wants to encourage residents, housing cooperatives and property owners to do so.
“This guide and its operating model have been created to help people living in apartment buildings. We want to show how great asphalt courtyards can be,” says Salla Ahokas , a project manager at Helsinki Urban Environment Division.
Why a block courtyard?
It is possible to develop a green and attractive oasis that invites people to enjoy themselves. A shared and open courtyard can reinforce a sense of security and increase the sense of community throughout the block. Health benefits are also possible, as an inviting courtyard encourages outdoor activities and exercise. Gardening can also have health benefits, as working in the soil increases microbial contact, which improves the body’s immune system.
A shared courtyard also allows housing cooperatives to work together on waste and property maintenance, which saves money. A green courtyard is also a change that encourages climate change adaptation and urban biodiversity. Views of greenery from windows and a block courtyard that serves as an extra living room can also increase the value of an apartment.
“When housing cooperatives combine property and waste management in a block courtyard and purchase equipment together, the monthly costs of the properties fall. Of course, the renovation of the courtyard costs money, but the costs for the shareholders do not necessarily increase: at best, the housing cooperative can use the money saved from combined property and waste management to pay off the loan taken out for the courtyard renovation,” says Milla Kallio of FEMMA Planning Oy, the company that built the Korttelipihat website.
Three concrete steps
The new guide presents three concrete steps towards a block courtyard. “It all starts with an idea from the people on the block and the inspiration of the neighbours. The next stage will involve cooperation across plot boundaries – and eventually all residents of the great courtyard will be able to savour the joys and benefits of a common courtyard,” continues Salla Ahokas.
“A courtyard can be either an asphalted, dreary place or a cosy, green extra living room. Change starts with the residents. It just takes one person to wake up the neighbours,” says Kaisa Viitanen of the Korttelipihat takaisin! group.
On the City of Helsinki’s website korttelipihat.hel.fi, published on 7 November, residents can find a wide range of practical information on how to improve the look and feel of their courtyards. The website brings together existing information and guidelines on courtyard design. The website is based on the City Council’s initiative to promote block courtyards.