[Bunty Sogani]

 What is the role of atrium in public building ?


Atrium is  the heart of public building such as hospitals, shopping centres, educational centres, office buildings etc. People gather and socialise in the atriums. The Atrium also connect to the natural green spaces and natural sunlight through roof skylight systems , which is the main aspect of architecture  (Light and ventilation). Atriums play a vital role in sustainable and green architecture.  Atriums ameliorate the indoor environment as well as the comfort levels of the buildings.  

[rachit patni]

Richard Meier was the first person to bring the concept of atrium to the Modern Architectural Design. His main aim was to have day light, which also provides a vertical open space and access within a building, giving views to the interior space.

[rachit patni]

The Atrium of The Hague City Hall, where cultural, educational, social and commercial activities are organised for residents and visitors is the best example of how atrium plays an important role.

[rahul saini]

The atrium space type includes glazed courtyard spaces and multistoried spaces. Atria are typically used as key architectural features in main entries, public circulation areas or as special destinations within a building. Atrium design often involves skylights and generous glazing areas that provide an infusion of natural light which make them a prominent building areas well suited to serve ceremonial and social functions.

The atrium space type requires flexibility, durable finishes, attention to regular maintenance, and special HVAC systems and lighting. 

Typical features of atrium space types include 
Accessibility - accessible elevators and ramps in addition to stairways.


Aesthetics -

• Highlight or soften the verticality of the space by delineating horizontal bands (such as at floor or ceiling levels) with windows, lighting, wall coverings, and signage.
  
• Specify appropriate finishes for open stairways, pedestrian bridges, and other transitional spaces that match finishes in adjacent spaces.
  
• Include glazing system materials or detailing that emits natural light, but prevents glare and light reflection.
  
  

Functional / Operational

• Design appropriate spaces for the unique requirements of plant species, including attention to lighting, temperature, and air flow. Specify plants with comfort levels similar to occupant comfort levels.
  
• Accommodate flexibility and storage of furniture and equipment for ceremonial events and exhibits.
  
• Design for maintainability of hard to reach areas, such as re-lamping of high light fixtures and periodic cleaning of dust gathering surfaces.
  

Productive

• Specify HVAC equipment that will ensure a comfortable and reliable temperature. 
  
• If the atrium will be used for performances or ceremonies, study its acoustic properties and include sound absorptive materials as needed.
  
  

 Security / Safety

• Provide for smoke control/Fire protection engineering requirements.
  
• In high-risk buildings incorporate blast-resistive design in atria structural system and glazing.
  
• Design for safety in balconies 
  

Sustainable.

• Atria can be used as light courts. Utilize daylight to reduce energy use through skylights and window walls.
  
• Create a vertical "chimney" effect with low intakes and high outlets to facilitate natural ventilation.
  

For details : http://www.wbdg.org/design/atrium.php

[sonali31]

First of all, the functions the atrium should fulfill must be defined and assessed; are they feasible as such and in combination? Position and shape of an atrium determine some aspects already, like wayfinding, day light, contact with nature.
The next priority is the comfort of users/occupants of the atrium: thermal, acoustical, visual: depending on the functions for each aspect of comfort limits can be set and differentiated locaaly if necessary, for instance in a seating area higher demands for thermal and acoustical climate.