Abstract

Background and purpose
Today, atriums are known as one of the most common methods used to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability, which can focus on various aspects of sustainability, including improving energy efficiency, strengthening social interactions, and improving economic aspects. Although the correct and intelligent design of these elements can help create healthier, more beautiful and more efficient environments, if they are not carefully planned and designed, they can lead to many problems such as energy loss, waste heat, increasing thermal or cooling loads, etc. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating and identifying important and key parameters for the design of atriums in buildings in different climates of Iran.
Methodology
The research method of this study is qualitative. The data have been collected through two methods: complete review of the theoretical literature and interviews. Considering the different behavior of atriums in different climates, climate is one of the most effective factors in the design of atriums to optimize energy consumption, which has been considered in this research. According to theoretical literature, 8 indicators have been obtained and solutions have been provided for optimal design according to these indicators. On the other hand, a set of different questions was prepared, in which the 8 indicators and the type of design of each indicator in each region of Iran were questioned. The number of interviewees were 25 experts related to the fields of architecture, urban design, sustainable and energy design, landscape design, environment, etc. Some of these interviews were conducted in person and some of them were conducted through social and online networks. All the data have been analyzed qualitatively and at the end, a wide range of strategies related to atrium design indicators in different climates have been investigated.
Findings and discussion
The findings of the research highlight the dry, temperate, and continental climate as the prevailing climatic conditions in Iran. Eight critical design indicators for atriums were identified, including glass type, atrium type, atrium height, atrium direction, atrium size and shape, atrium roof shape, atrium geometry, and the condition of the surrounding walls. Subsequently, using two-dimensional matrices, this study provides appropriate design solutions for each index in different climates to reduce any possible adverse consequences of atriums. Following the presentation of these design solutions for the construction of an atrium in a specific climate, it is necessary to consider different indicators simultaneously, in an integrated and multidimensional manner, appropriate to the specific context.
Conclusion
The results show that glasses with low emission but with high transmittance can increase energy efficiency. Also, for cold climates, low height of the atrium is recommended. On the other hand, it can be said that central and linear atriums have the greatest ability to reduce temperature fluctuations. Regarding the direction of the atriums, it can be said that in a hot climate, it is better for the atrium to be located in the north direction, and in a moderate and cold climate, the south direction of the building is better. It has also been shown that rectangular atriums perform better than square atriums in terms of light supply.