atrium
AY-tree-um
/ˈeɪtriəm/
A large open space, often several stories high and having a glass roof, within a building.
Implies a sense of grandeur and natural light, often serving as the central hub of a mall.
The story behind the word. In ancient Roman houses, the atrium was the central hall. It is called 'ater' (black) because it was the room where the hearth fire was kept, and the walls were often blackened by smoke.
Word relationships
- courtyard: A courtyard is usually open to the sky, whereas an atrium is typically enclosed by a roof.
Commonly confused with
- concourse: An atrium is a vertical open space; a concourse is a horizontal walking area.
Word family
- atria (noun): The plural form of atrium.
Collocations
- central atrium
- glass-roofed atrium
- soaring atrium
Example sentences
- "The sunlight streamed through the glass roof of the atrium, illuminating the indoor trees below." Describing the architecture of a luxury hotel or mall.
Memory hook
Imagine an 'A'-shaped skylight at the top of a tall room. The 'Airy' central room.
When not to use
Do not use for a simple hallway or a small lobby without significant height.
Fun facts
- In anatomy, the atrium is also the name for the upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.
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