Maintains that natural ventilation by thermal buoyancy and wind is very suitable for atria, provided the geometry and openings are correctly designed. Presents a set of formulas for determining air velocities, temperature differences and ventilation capacity in relation to openings, heat loads and building geometry. Discusses optimal opening areas, the influence of temperature stratification, threshold values for the opening ratios as well as control strategies. Stated the set of formulas constitutes an easy-to-use design method that can be programmed as an independent computer program or which can be integrated into a simplified building energy simulation program.

KEYWORDS: year 1995, Atria, ventilation, natural ventilation, designing, calculating, computer programs