The inclusion of an atrium in a building enables occupants to harness and control the beneficial aspects of the outdoor elements. These outdoor elements create a comfortable "semi-outdoor space" inside a building. Ideally, the building systems are designed to put the optimum amount of light into a space, rejecting any extraneous light and heat, which serves only to create internal heat gains. For example, an atrium spanning the front of 3-14 Southampton Street in London creates a thermal buffer, preventing heat loss at the perimeter of the building while allowing good daylight penetration.
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