plan view of a sunken courtyard facing north

Quick answer：

A sunken courtyard facing north is a design feature where a courtyard is located below the level of the surrounding ground, with the courtyard facing northward. This design often maximizes natural light and warmth due to the orientation and can be found in traditional Chinese architecture. The plan view would depict the layout of this courtyard, including any buildings, gardens, or pathways, from a top-down perspective.