Another gem from AD that celebrates the courtyard. Courtyard is that one coveted element of architecture of the bygone era we would all like to hold dear.  You can see the courtyard making a comeback in many individual homes with different interpretations. For centuries, it has been known by different names in different parts of the subcontinent, some call it mittham, wada, nallukettu etc.The idea remains the same: it is the central area around which the other parts of the house are constructed. The architectural element of the courtyard worked well for the joint family setup of the past where in every family had a room/kitchen to themselves and gathered around the courtyard for functions/festivals and generally to hang around. everything revolved around this focal point. The modern interpretations of the courtyard are executed brilliantly in these homes. Our ancestral home in Kumbakonam had an open courtyard which was converted into…