A Research on atriums in the context of public space in architecture

m ABSTRACT In the first chapter of the study " A research on atriums in the context of public space in architecture", problem causing factors are defined and the aim of the study is explained. The limitations about the subject and the method of the study is pointed out with their reasons, and the keywords of the study is defined. In the second chapter, the definations and opinions about the "public space" are given; general charasterictics of the public spaces and the public spaces in history which have similarities with the atriums are searched. In the third chapter, the importance of the atrium in contemporary public space and urban context is discussed; the historical evolution of the atrium is searched to see how it has gained its form, function and meaning. In the fourth chapter, the functions and the public space qualities of the atrium according to the building types. The types are classified as "shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, culture and education buildings, health centers" and "multi - purpose buildings", and the differentations between atriums' form and functions are pointed out. The typhologic research of the atrium according to its form and location in the building is the fifth chapter of the study. In this chapter, the atriums are classified and their peculiarities are searched within the examples of different kinds of buildings.IV In the sixth chapter, the spatial characteristics and furnishing elements of the atrium are studied. Mass and surface qualities, entrance, orientation and circulation functions and elements, use of nature and art elments are searched within the examples. In the last chapter, the conclusions are discussed.