Atrium Design Criteria in Social and Environmental Aspects of Commercial Buildings in Klang Valley

Abstract

The research was conducted to identify atrium design criteria and their impacts on social and environmental aspects at commercial buildings in the Klang Valley area, Malaysia. The design of the atrium affects the social and environmental conditions in the building. Thus, the objectives are to identify the atrium design criteria for the selected commercial buildings and to investigate their impacts on social and environmental aspects. There are two research methods namely literature study and qualitative descriptive research. The lists of atrium design criteria and their impacts on the social and environmental aspects had been produced based on literature and document reviews. Four commercial buildings in Klang Valley were selected as case studies. The findings indicate that the use of glazing roof material at the atrium promotes natural lighting and social interaction between users. Appropriate openings in the atrium space allow natural ventilation which provides energy savings. Appropriate furniture selection and layout, as well as landscaping in the atrium space, encourage the users to execute activities for longer periods of time. The large and bright atrium space allows the accommodation of various presentations, exhibitions, bazaars, and small stalls to attract the flow of users. In addition, the atrium space also provides visual access to users to understand the overall circulation of the building. To conclude, this study can be a reference in designing the atrium in buildings that are suitable for tropical climate, and understanding the atrium design criteria that contribute to the social and comfortable indoor environment for the users.