Covered atria have been an important part of architectural design throughout history. Covered atria have been an important part of architectural design throughout history. Arcades (atria) were often constructed using cast iron and glass technology. I used the book Atrium Buildings: Development and Design by Richard Saxon to researched issues and design approaches for covered atria.
The industrialization of construction techniques and the advance of artificial climate control triggered the development of modern atria. Atria allowed the building to be wrapped around the courtyard or garden. This provides much more natural light for the interior spaces, passive solar heating and cooling, and better security control. I will take this approach because the floor plate of Building 1 at the Lemp Complex is ~150' x ~230'.
Many historic buildings were designed with interior lightwells to bring natural light deep into the building. The lightwells in these buildings can easily be converted to covered atrium spaces. This offers examples of how I will approach the interior facades of a designed atrium space.
The new covered atrium has minimal impact on the existing building exterior. Additionally, the atrium is sensitive to the original historic character of the buildings. The design of the covering of the interior atrium will also be important. I will remain aware of the historic character of the building to deliver a compatible approach the the atrium design.
This is an example of a timber construction building that has been modified with an interior atrium. This treatment would be similar to the approach that I will pursue at the Lemp Complex.
Covered atria offer spaces that are similar to outdoor spaces, while allowing complete control of the air and thermal quality.
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