The courtyards found in larger urban areas were used extensively in the past. Partly because the homes were small and much of the coarser chores were done outdoors. But also because they simply were open out to the streets and then easily be used for socializing and benefits. Which meant that craftsmen could have small workshops on the yards, in order to receive customers and so on. Nowadays the craftsmen are generally very rare and yards usually locked. Operation is much more marginal.