Presents a brief history of atrium buildings and their use. Discusses different atrium functions and some user surveys from commercial buildings. Examines aspects of indoor air quality with emphasis on thermal comfort. Notes local climate control and presents this as a solution. Demonstrates the relation between atrium temperature and energy consumption for different building shapes. Presents building shapes, material and technical solutions that reduce energy consumption. Concludes by giving an overview of the status and limitations of simulation tools for studying these phenomena. Describes the results from the IEA Task XII Atrium Model Development Group.

KEYWORDS: year 1995, Atria, buildings, indoor, air quality, thermal comfort, history, energy consumption, calculating