Coronavirus disease pandemic highlights fragilities of compact city, taken as settlement model since time due to its quality of space, efficiency, vibrancy and wellbeing; this has been true especially for high-density urban textures as, they typically lack of a network of proximity open spaces. In addition, pandemic has made us turn our attention towards one of the prevailing urban morphology: the courtyard block. Although underestimated in spatial, social and environmental terms the courtyard is a valuable potential for improving urban resilience. This study explores this potential in recent European regeneration experiences, bringing out five essential design topics to enhance the semi-private network of open spaces and increase resilience of compact city, also in relation to natural disasters, including health crises.