Details of problem?

I'd investigate patio misting systems. They can presumably effect as much as a 30 degree lowering of the temp.

Misters are the most common and least expensive way to cool an outdoor space. They work well in dry climates (west coast), not so well in humid climates (south and east).

I was just wondering if there was a product out there that was new that I hadn't heard of that helps make the courtyard more usable in the summer months. I might do the misters but I was trying to see if anything else might work.

I've had this thought off and on --- with the idea that some times of the year I want sun because it's cool out. So greatly depends on how you define cool and what your vision is. The advantage to this idea is to also make your property more valuable.

That said... even if you make shade where I live it's still hell on earth. Hot is hot, even in the shade where I live. (They call these Pergolas)