The living atrium : design guidelines for quality atriums

Abstract

Modern technology has made it ecomically feasible to span large glass-enclosed structures which are socially sufficient and convenient for less mobile groups of the society like handicapped, elders and children to virtually spend days, weeks or even months in a comfortable indoor climate. However, it is plausible that any positive effects of a manipulated environment can turn sour if the created climate is not closely simulating natural condition. There is a danger of building in faulty and shortsighted presumptions neglecting the close relationship that exist between social, biological, medical, technical and aesthetical needs. This thesis, divided in two parts, has the broad aim to strengthen the architectural and technical foundation for a good atrium design in order to provide a suitable environment for the coexistence of people and plants in relation to comfort, health, climate, technique, aesthetics, and energy consumption. The scientific purpose is to establish new design criteria and methods in order to create a useful base for intelligent decisions in fulfilling the ultimate vision of a living atrium. The study will specifically focus on design guidelines with respect to climatic conditions affecting plant growth and human health and comfort within atriums. Part one is a discussion regarding major variables affecting human health, comfort and plant growth in atriums. Also included is a detailed study, recently conducted by the author, investigating the. impact of new glazing technology on plant growth. Part two presents various useful design guidelines which can be used to moderate climatic conditions and enhance plant growth in atriums. A detailed lighting investigation, conducted by the author, is also presented as a design tool for determining the distribution of illumination levels in top-lit atriums during overcast conditions. The method can be used to rapidly identify plant growth zones in an arbitrarily proportioned and top-lit light-well.