A STUDY ON COLLECTIVE LIVING IN CONVENTIONAL COURTYARD HOUSES IN BAMAKO : Specificity of multifamily's courtyard common use

Abstract

Based on a one-day observation survey of residents' living activities in 3 districts in Bamako, we analyzed the specificity of each household's daily activity area in the courtyard according to the collectivity form. We also analyzed how those activity areas are shared by residents and which ale the factors influenced it. The conclusion is as follow. More the courtyard house is inhabitate by rental households, more the activity areas tend to be limited in front of each household's room. According to the stay length, the status, some households tend to settle their activity area in a specific space into the courtyard and then fixed it as private space by arranging stones or making a slight difference of level or building hangars. We also conclude that the owner and his relatives are still considering the courtyard as a family space not to be shared with rental households.