Towards American Courtyards
Alicia Pederson is trying to revolutionize American urban development by introducing courtyard blocks, a concept commonly found in European cities, to address the urban housing shortage. Pederson's advocacy group, Courtyard Urbanist, aims to create whole-life neighborhoods that will strengthen cities, communities, and public schools. By bringing courtyard blocks to America, Pederson hopes to fill the missing middle in American housing and provide a more desirable living environment for middle-class families.
- ▪Alicia Pederson has founded an advocacy group called Courtyard Urbanist to promote courtyard blocks in American urban development.
- ▪Courtyard blocks are buildings that ring an entire block and have an open courtyard for resident use, providing a peaceful oasis amidst urban life.
- ▪Pederson believes that courtyard blocks can create whole-life neighborhoods that will strengthen cities, communities, and public schools.
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Art & Architecture Towards American Courtyards Alicia Pederson is trying to revolutionize American urban development. Featured in the July/August 2026 issue Photo by Alicia Pederson Brad Pearce Jun 8, 2026 12:03 AM Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player... If you are a fan of European mystery shows, you may have been watching one and had the thought, “Wow, this murder victim had a fantastic apartment”: High ceilings, beautiful natural light, an open floor plan, and a deck facing out over a lovely green space. Unlike apartments in America, which “live like a hotel,” these apartments really look like a place to live. The reason many European apartments, particularly in older buildings, look so different is because they are centered around courtyard blocks.
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