ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY OF INNER COURTYARDS IN MULTI-APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT BASED ON BEHAVIORAL-SPATIAL INDICATORS

This study is devoted to the search for methods of assessing the functional efficiency of inner courtyards in residential developments as socio-spatial systems. The relevance of the topic is determined by the growing role of courtyards in shaping a high-quality urban environment, supporting residents’ social interaction, safety, comfort, and accessibility of living spaces. At the same time, the lack of standardized tools for the quantitative assessment of activity within such spaces complicates the adoption of well-grounded architectural and planning decisions during reconstruction or new design. The purpose of the study is to develop a comprehensive approach to analyzing the socio-spatial activity of inner courtyards, which allows for a quantitative evaluation of their functional efficiency based on behavioral parameters. The scientific foundation of this research lies in the adaptation of the biological principle of the “edge effect” for architectural planning, where the highest level of activity is observed at the boundaries between different spatial environments (façade – courtyard, entrance – street, house – greenery).By analyzing the social diversity and typology of processes occurring in inner courtyards, a comprehensive index SAD (Courtyard Activity Degree) was developed, integrating four quantitative indicators: Intensity of Use (IU) — the proportion of people in a specific courtyard zone; Surface Activity (SA) — concentration of active functions per unit area; Temporal Density (TD) — proportion of time during which a zone is actively used; Types of Behavior (TB) — diversity of behavioral scenarios. The result of the study is a mathematically formalized approach to analyzing the socio-spatial activity of inner courtyards in multi-apartment residential complexes with a clear gradation of activity levels (from inactive zones 0,75). The developed methodology was tested using the example of a residential courtyard in Ivano-Frankivsk. Within the study, spatial-behavioral mapping was carried out, along with the documentation of usage scenarios throughout the day, analysis of functional saturation, and classification of user activity types. The calculation of the SAD index for different zones revealed areas with high levels of social dynamics as well as zones of spatial inertia. Based on the obtained data, specific design conclusions and recommendations were formulated to improve the efficiency of courtyard functioning through architectural interventions. The testing of theoretical conclusions confirmed the applicability of the methodology in practical architectural analysis and design, as well as demonstrated the potential of a quantitative approach to shaping resident-oriented environments. This makes it possible to objectively assess the functional efficiency of courtyard spaces, identify problem areas with low spatial activity, determine priorities for targeted architectural interventions, and provide architects with a quantitative basis for decision-making. The value of the obtained results lies in the adaptability of the methodology to different contexts of residential development and its applicability both in the revitalization of existing courtyards and at the design stage of new residential complexes.