The search for new approaches to the design of residential complexes is relevant in many countries worldwide. A humanitarian, environmentally-oriented approach is particularly promising for implementing design solutions. This article presents a theoretical justification for the principles that correspond to this approach. Based on the general strategic directions tested during the development of the residential complex design solution, eight principles have been identified and adapted to the conditions of Russia's southern regions: cultural identity; meaningfulness; reasonable rationality; social adaptability; permeability; energy efficiency; environmental friendliness; and aesthetics. Their integrated application demonstrates the use of a humanitarian, environmentally-oriented approach in the project.

Keywords: architecture, residential buildings, energy efficiency, ecological construction, green construction, residential development, eco-urbanism

The article is devoted to the consideration of approaches to the formation of a universal barrier-free recreational environment in the courtyards of apartment residential complexes. The relevance of studying the problem of courtyard spaces development is due to the transformations in the social structure of society that have occurred over the past forty years, rethinking the understanding of the universal recreational intra-block environment. The purpose of the research work was to develop a system of qualitative characteristics that correspond to the current demands of society for local recreation, providing a basis for planning an aesthetically attractive, comfortable and popular courtyard environment. The classification of the population (residents of a residential building) proposed in the article, made in accordance with the generalization of the updated needs for recreation, includes nine categories. This classification ensured the identification of the following qualitative characteristics of courtyard spaces: identity; variability; inclusiveness; capacity; isolation; communicativeness; flexibility; permeability; aesthetics; visuality; universality; safety; information content; environmental friendliness. The presented system of qualitative characteristics of the environment is a basic matrix for design solutions, allowing for a holistic consideration of the task of forming a courtyard, eliminating gaps in the proposal, and assessing its success.

Keywords: yard improvement, yard space, quality of spatial environment, universal urban design, barrier-free environment