Atrium facts for kids

An atrium is a word that can mean different things, depending on what you are talking about. It can refer to a special part of your heart or a large, open space inside a building. Let's explore both meanings!

What is an Atrium?

The word "atrium" comes from Latin. It originally meant the main room of an ancient Roman house. Over time, its meaning expanded. Today, it mostly refers to two main things. One is a chamber in your heart. The other is a specific type of open area in buildings.

Atrium in Your Heart

Your heart is an amazing organ. It pumps blood all over your body. It has four main chambers. Two of these chambers are called atria (plural of atrium). These are the upper chambers of your heart.

How Your Heart Works

Your heart works like a powerful pump. It has two sides, a right side and a left side. Each side has an upper chamber (atrium) and a lower chamber (ventricle). Blood flows into the atria first. Then, it moves down into the ventricles. Finally, the ventricles pump the blood out.

The Right and Left Atria

• The right atrium receives blood. This blood has already traveled through your body. It is low in oxygen. The right atrium sends this blood to the right ventricle.
• The left atrium receives blood from your lungs. This blood is rich in oxygen. The left atrium sends this oxygen-rich blood to the left ventricle.

Both atria play a key role. They make sure blood flows smoothly. This keeps your body working well.

Atrium in Buildings

An atrium in a building is a large, open space. It is often found in the center of a building. Many modern buildings use atriums. They can be very tall and bright.

What is an Architectural Atrium?

An architectural atrium is usually several stories high. It often has a glass roof. This lets in lots of natural light. Atriums can connect different parts of a building. They create a feeling of openness. They also help save energy by using natural light.

History of Atriums

The idea of an atrium is very old. Ancient Roman houses had atriums. These were open courtyards inside the house. They had an opening in the roof. This opening let in light and collected rainwater. These old atriums were central to family life.

Modern Atriums Today

Today, atriums are common in many buildings. You can find them in:

• Hotels: They often have grand atriums. These are used as lobbies.
• Shopping Malls: Atriums create large, open areas. They make shopping more pleasant.
• Office Buildings: They provide bright, shared spaces. They can improve air circulation.
• Universities: Some university buildings, like the University of South Wales building in Cardiff, have atriums. These spaces are used for events or as common areas for students.

Atriums are designed to be impressive. They make buildings feel more spacious. They also bring the outdoors inside.