Design principles of atrium buildings for the tropics

Abstract

Although atrium buildings are commonly found in modern public and commercial architecture in the world, there is little understanding about its design implications for environmental control for the tropics. From a simple climate modifier to provide light and ventilation in deep spaces or courtyards in traditional buildings of the past, the atrium is presently used as a glamorous architectural feature for purely aesthetic effects. Such attitude towards atrium design has serious financial implications on the energy loads of a building. This book contains an appraisal of atrium buildings in the tropics and sets out a guideline for the use of such element within the perspective of an energy conscious attitude.