A courtyard offers a compact way to observe architecture. Its edges, openings and changing light can be studied without trying to understand an entire city at once. Begin from a public or permitted viewpoint and take a few moments to notice the space before photographing it.
Describe the route into the courtyard. Does an entrance reveal the space immediately, or does it open gradually? Notice where people can pause and where the lines of movement continue. Keep observation separate from assumptions about the original designer’s intentions.
Choose a detail that changes with the light. A stone surface, an arch or a planted corner may feel different from another position. A small sketch can help you remember the relationship between elements, even if it is no more than a few lines.
Before leaving, write one sentence about the overall atmosphere and one question for later research. A useful architectural walk balances immediate experience with curiosity. You do not need to identify every style or date to begin looking carefully.