Effect of Clerestory in An Atrium

THE EFFECT OF ATRIUM DESIGN TO
ILLUMINATION LEVEL IN SHOPPING MALLS IN

PETALING JAYA
This report has been submitted to the Department of Architecture,

Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi
MARA, to fulfil the requirement of AAR 635 Topical Study course.
Prepared by:
Name
: SITI NAJWA BINTI MUHAMMAD MAJDI
UiTM No.
: 2013231166
Programme
: BACHELOR
OF
ARCHITECTURE
(Hons.)
Year/Semester
: 2016/06
Session
: 2
Faculty
: Faculty
of
SCIENCE
Architecture,
Planning
IN
and
Surveying
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this research paper and the research to which it
refers are the product of my own work and that any ideas or
quotations from the work of other people, published or otherwise are
fully acknowledged in accordance with the standard academic
practices.
Name
: SITI
NAJWA
BINTI
MUHAMMAD
MAJDI
UiTM No.
: 2013231166.
This research had been checked by:

Supervisor
: Haji Wan Zulkifali bin Wan Mohd
Course Coordinator
: Dr. Mimi Zaleha binti Abdul Ghani
_____________________________
____________
Signature of Supervisor
Date:
_____________________________
____________
Signature of Supervisor
Date:
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, thank you to Allah SWT for giving me

strength and health for me to complete the study. It has been a
journey completing this study since Day 1 and with His will, I could
complete the study with the help of everyone.
Special thanks to Haji Wan Zulkifali for supervising this topical
study and giving consultation during the entire process. I learnt a lot
working under his guidance about this field.
Also, thank you very much for both of my parents for
unconditional and continuous support to me during the entire study
period.
I wish to express my gratitude to my classmates for their
wonderful help for getting the study completed.
iii
ABSTRACT
Aesthetic and natural illumination are both key aspect of any atrium
design in a shopping mall. The creativity in the design allowing
natural lighting will effect the illumination level of the atrium space.
Indirectly creates pleasant and comfortable feeling to the visitors.
The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of different design
parameters of the atriums skylight and clerestory in shopping malls'
atrium in Petaling Jaya to their illumination level of the space. A
comparative study was done on two case studies, the Paradigm Mall
and the Sunway Pyramids atrium. The observation on various
design parameters and illumination levels was measured in duration
of 4 days on the bright sky at different points. Based on the
comparative analysis of the illumination levels, the Paradigm Mall
have high illumination level and achieved acceptable daylighting
factor due to large clerestory and lightwell skylight design compared
to Sunway Pyramid.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
iii
ABSTRACT
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES
vii
LIST OF TABLES
viii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
1.2
Problem Statement
1.3
Research Aim
1.4
Research Objectives
1.5
Research Methods
1.6
Scope and Limitation
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
Introduction
2.2
Definition
2.3
Skylight
2.3.1 Skylight Type
2.3.2 Skylight Shape and Size
12
2.3.3 Skylight Height
14
Clerestory
15
2.4.1 Clerestory Size
16
2.4.2 Clerestory Orientation
18
2.5
Illumination
20
2.6
Conclusion
21
2.4
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1
Introduction
23
23
3.2
Research Methods
23
3.3
Research Process
24
3.4
Data Collection
25
3.5
Data Analysis
27
3.6
Content Organisation
28
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND FINDINGS

4.1
Introduction
4.2
Case Study 1:
4.3
4.4
29
29
Paradigm Mall
29
4.2.1 Background
29
4.2.2 Atrium design: The Upper Atrium
31
4.2.3 Measurement: Illumination Level
33
4.2.4 Results and Findings
34
Case Study 2:
38
Sunway Pyramid
4.3.1 Background
38
4.3.2 Atrium design: The Sun and the River
39
42
43
Comparative Analysis
47
4.4.1 Observation of Design Parameters
48
4.4.2 Measurement of Illumination Data
51
4.4.3 Comparative Analysis of Illumination Level in

relation to Design Parameters
55
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
57
REFERENCE
59
vi
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Skylight types
10
Figure 2: Lightwell skylights of Paradigm Mall
11
Figure 3: Lightscoop skylight of Alamanda Putrajaya
12
Figure 4: Square skylight of PKNS Bangi
13
Figure 5: Circular skylight of Sunway Pyramid
13
Figure 6: Atrium without clerestory
15
Figure 7: Atrium with clerestory
15
Figure 8: The illumination level depends on the size of clerestory 16

Figure 9: Illumination level depends on the height of clerestory
17
Figure 10: effect of different orientation if the clerestory
19
Figure 11: Paradigm Mall
29
Figure 12: Paradigm Malls UG floor plan
30
Figure 13: Oval shape of the Paradigm Mall atrium
32
Figure 14: Paradigm Malls lightwell and clerestory
32
Figure 15: Points layout for Upper Atrium
33
Figure 16: Graph of average illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall

for 4 days
36
Figure 17: Sunway Pyramid
38
Figure 18: Sunway Pyramids G floor plan
36
Figure 19: Blue Atrium
39
Figure 20: Orange Atrium
40
Figure 21: Points layout for Blue Atrium
42
Figure 22: Graph of average illumination level (lux) of Sunway

Pyramid for 4 days
45
Figure 23: Paradigm Malls lightwell skylight
48
Figure 24: Paradigm Malls level
48
Figure 25: Paradigm Malls skylight
48
vii
Figure 26: Paradigm Malls clerestory
48
Figure 27: Sunway Pyramids flat skylight
49
Figure 28: Sunway Pyramids levels
49
Figure 29: Sunway Pyramids skylight
49
Figure 30: Sunway Pyramids clerestory
49
Figure 31: Graph of average illumination level (lux) comparison at

10am
51
12pm
52
2pm
53
viii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Best design of design parameters of an atrium
22
Table 2: Desired criteria of the design parameters of an atrium
26
Table 3: Comparative analysis of illumination level in relation to

design parameters
27
Table 4: Illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall on Day 1
35
35
35
35
Table 8: Average illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall for 4 days

36
Table 9: Illumination level (lux) of Sunway Pyramid on Day 1
44
44
44
44
Table 13: Average illumination level (lux) of Sunway Pyramid for 4

days
45
Table 14: Paradigm Malls atrium observation data
48
Table 15: Sunway Pyramids atrium observation data
49
Table 16: Comparison and comment of Paradigm Malls and Sunway

Pyramids design parameters
50
Table 17: Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 10am
51
Table 18: Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 12pm
52
Table 19: Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 2pm
53
Table 20: Comparative analysis of illumination level in relation to

design parameters
55
ix
The effect of atrium design to illumination level in shopping malls in Petaling Jaya | Siti Najwa
binti Muhammad Majdi
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
The atrium is a wonderful architectural space in building

design. The atrium is defined by the Oxford dictionary as can be
found on Oxforddictionariescom (2016) is an open-roofed entrance
hall or central court in an ancient Roman house. Many architects
have incorporated an atrium in their design especially large public
complex like a shopping mall. It allows the sunlight to enter the
internals and light up the adjacent spaces and makes a good use of
the natural lighting. The utilisation of natural lighting is desirable in a
building
because
the
building
can
reduce
lighting
energy
consumption in illuminating the internal spaces.

It is proven that the most effective capturing daylighting device
is the skylight design. The skylight can reduce 77% of the buildings
consumption of electrical energy. (Treado et al, 1984). According to
Mueller (2014), the skylight is considered effective, because it is
exposed to the sky hemisphere at the full 180-degree rotation and
distributed high natural light into the internal space. However, in a
tropical climate such as Malaysia requires certain control in allowing
the penetration of direct natural light due to the intensity of sunlight
all year. The all year round sun would increase the heat within the
spaces and indirectly cause the building to increase the energy to
cool down the building.
Indirect lighting is a more suitable application in skylight
design in a tropical climate. The clerestory is the common method of
indirect lighting in atrium design. As luck would have it, adding
clerestory would help the building cool down on itself as the Malay
traditional houses would and helps to illuminate the spaces adjacent
to the atrium. According to Mueller (2014), the clerestory is placed
above the eye level, in the upper part of the walls. This would
improve the illumination of the rooms centre, as it provides indirect
light and reduces glare. Pairing up with a skylight, the illumination
level of the internal would tremendously increase, without bringing in
excessive direct light.
1.2
Problem Statement
Atrium provides natural lights that help in lowering energy

consumption in buildings. Maximising illumination would need the
design of the atrium to be as large as possible, but this is constrained
by the hot tropical climate of Malaysia. Adding clerestory would help
to illuminate the building and reduce the size of the skylight of the
atrium and plus, helps with ventilation that will cut down costs and
preserve the thermal comfort of users inside.
2
However, adding clerestory would not improve the illumination

at the instance without considering the dimension of parameters
involved of an atrium. The dimension in question needs to be
carefully inspected so that adequate illumination level can be
provided to the internals of the atrium. The daylight factor that
determined the level of appropriate illumination range will decide if
the illumination level achieved is well-lit or not.
Atriums in shopping malls like Paradigm Mall and Sunway
Pyramid are a great example of atrium design with clerestory.
Despite the fact that both atria have clerestory, both clerestorys
design and the skylights design are very different from each other.
The size, the height, and the type are in different dimensions. Is the
different characteristics will affect the rate of the illumination in the
spaces inside the building?
Is the light entered is sufficient to
illuminates entire space of the atrium?
1.3
Research Aim
The aim of this study is to identify the effect of skylight and

clerestory design to the illumination level in shopping malls atrium in
Klang Valley.
1.4
Research Objectives
This study will help
To identify the design consideration of the skylight and

clerestory in building design.
To investigate the effect of skylight and clerestory

design to the illumination level in an atrium of the
shopping mall.
To examine the illumination level effect to the

application of skylight and clerestory in Paradigm Mall
and Sunway Pyramid shopping mall.
1.5
Research methods
The research approach would be qualitative because the

study will require collecting data in a natural setting which is
illumination. There are two case studies as to make a comparative
between both of them after the data collection. The collection of data
will be on the extensive amount of verbal data of a small number of
samples. The data collection is conducted through observation and
measurement.
The design parameters of the skylight and clerestory that
effecting the illumination level of the spaces is reviewed thoroughly
by studying the past studies of atrium design. Further study on
skylight and clerestory design parameters such as skylights type,
skylights height, skylights shape and size, clerestorys size and
clerestorys orientation can determine the best design in getting the
result of illumination level. The range of best illumination level needs
to be calculated and taking account of the visual comfort of the users
inside of the building.
The design parameters will be observed to serve as primary
data. Measurement of the atriums illumination level will then be
conducted to accompany the observation data as secondary data.
Paradigm Malls atrium and Sunway Pyramids atrium have been
chosen for design parameters observation and illumination level
measurement. The measurement of the illumination level of the
shopping malls atrium is conducted using a T-10 Illuminance meter.

The measurements are taken on 9 different spots on atriums base in
lux unit. The data collected on illumination level will be tabulated and
compared between the two case studies and conclusion based on
the on observation of the design parameters of both skylight and
clerestory design is produced. The design parameters and
measurements of both case studies are compared for a comparative
analysis.
1.6 Scope and Limitation
The scope of this study is about the skylight and clerestory

design that is affecting the illumination level of the atrium of a
shopping mall. Shopping malls atrium is designed for pubic aesthetic
and to draw attention to the users that come in and out of the building.
The common design of a shopping mall of enclosed space would use
artificial lighting to illuminate the space, but that will increase cost.
Solving the matter have resulted in incorporating the atrium into the
design and will utilise the natural light thus reduce the cost.
The study is conducted in 4 months. This has been the
significant limitation of the study. The intricacy of the data result has
set the study to provide little information and short time of data
collection as more time is needed for a complete understanding of
the illumination.
6
CHAPTER 2:
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter discusses the factors that are affecting the

illumination rate of an atrium and a few hidden issues. This chapter
also will give an insight of what the research is taking note on. The
samples need to obey a few factors before proceeding with data
collection. Freewan (2015) has listed parameters that need to be
considered based on their previous studies. Several parameters that
are listed are considered in this research study. Parameters that are
listed for atrium is shape, height, materials and area section form. In
this study, the focus will also be on the skylights type, shape, and
size, height and clerestory size and orientation as well.
2.2 Definition of Atrium
The atrium is also central in a modern building, typically rising

through several stories and having a glazed roof. The opened roof or
the glazed roof is called skylight, which allows the natural light to
penetrate directly into the spaces inside. Skylight has been known to
help in gaining natural light into the spaces. Despite that, the
excessive natural light will result in the temperature inside rises and
need mechanical ventilation to cool the building down.
Referring to Ghasemi et al (2014), Ahmad (1996) suggested
the use of sidelight glazing or clerestory to solve the problem.
Clerestory would promote indirect lighting and lower the temperature
and cooling load while keeping the atrium space well lit by the natural
light. Clerestory, as defined by Mueller (2014), is windows that are
placed in the upper part of the walls above the eye level to improve
the lighting in a centre of the room
2.3
Skylight
Skylight is the most important characteristics of an atrium

while clerestory is a choice whether to incorporate in the design or
not. Mueller (2014) stated that skylights are the most effective for
gaining natural light in its horizontal orientation because it faces the
skys hemisphere of 180. This allows the skylight to gain direct
sunlight from the sun into the spaces inside.
Skylight has a fair
number of parameters, but for the purpose of this research, only the
type, shape and size, and height are looked into.
2.3.1 Skylight type
Based on Acosta et al studies between the years 2012-2014,

beside the traditional type of an atrium that faces flat towards the sky
horizon, there are 3 types of skylight that are lightwell skylight,
monitor skylight, and lightscoop skylight. According to Acosta et al
(2013), lightwell is defined as horizontal openings placed on a prism
which acts as a reflector and prevents the incidence of the sun on the
interior. The illumination level of a lightwell skylights decreases
indirectly proportional to height/width ratio, meaning, as the ratio of
height and width of the lightwell skylight increases, the illumination
level decreases.
Lightwell skylight
Lightscoop skylight
Monitor skylight
Figure 1 Skylight types

Source: Acosta et al (2013)
Monitor skylight is defined by two opposite vertical openings

fixed by a reflector of variable shapes as stated by Acosta et al
(2015). Lightscoop on the other hand, Lam (1986) said lightscoop is
an opening oriented towards the open sky, but Acosta et al (2013)
stated that lightscoop is a vertical opening oriented in opposition to
the solar trajectory that usually found in museum exhibition rooms
and library reading room. According to Acosta et al (2015), monitor
skylight produces approximately double the daylight of the lightscoop
with the condition the height/width ration is low. This deduction is due
to the fact that monitor skylight has a double opening and that let in
twice the amount of light than lightscoop skylight. Despite that fact,
lightscoop is at most efficient when the ratio of height/width is close
to 4/3 based on Acosta et al (2013).
The different types of skylights allow the light into the spaces
in different ways. The natural illumination that sweeps into giving
different feels to the users inside the building. The example of
10
lightscoop and lightwell can be seen in Alamanda Putrajaya and

Paradigm Mall respectively.
Alamanda Putrajaya has two long atriums and a circular
atrium where the two long atriums meet. The lightscoop skylight can
be seen along the long atrium and it is well lit during the day. The
Paradigm Malls lightwells are created with a thick plaster to cover
the huge circular skylight that would give too much natural light and
can cause glare.
Figure 2 Lightwell skylights of Paradigm Mall

Source: Author
11
Figure 3 Lightscoop skylights of Alamanda Putrajaya

Source: Author
2.3.2 Skylight Shape and Size
The shape of the skylight gives great impact on the

illumination rate of the atrium base. It is crucial in selecting the best
shape of an atrium according to the buildings design. Usually,
designers are left to choose either a rectangular or circular shape for
the skylight. The choosing of the skylight can lead to the atriums
shape as well. As mentioned by Du & Sharples (2010), circular forms
are more efficient, but designers favours square or rectangle plans.
12
Figure 4 Square skylight of PKNS, Bangi

Source: Author
Figure 5 Circular skylight of Sunway Pyramid

Source: Author
Various studies have been conducted to inspect the best

choice of the shape of the skylight of an atrium to cope with various
climates to illuminate all adjacent spaces of the vertical lit atrium.
Based Ghasemi, et al (2015)s research on an atrium designed with
clerestory aimed to investigate the impact of good geometry on the
13
amount of daylight available in the adjoining spaces around an atrium

that is conducted under overcast sky condition in Malaysia. The
study suggests by lengthening the atrium would increase the
illumination of the spaces. While Littlefair (2001) stated that an atrium
cannot be designed to be deep and narrow as the adjacent spaces
will be poorly lit. The atrium needs to be wider at the top than the
bottom so it will give more daylight potential.
2.3.3 Skylight Height
A study by Samant and Yang (2007) found that the higher the
placement of the skylight of the atrium from the base, the lower the
daylighting at the base of the atrium will receive, and this depends on
the width of the atrium. A larger width and shallow atrium can
guarantee the illumination level of the atrium base to be adequate.
14
2.4 Clerestory
Clerestory has been incorporated in designs throughout the

world, no matter if it is alongside atrium or just on its own. Using it on
ground level will promote privacy while still providing sufficient light
into the internal space.
Figure 6 Atrium without clerestory

Source: Author
Figure 7 Atrium with clerestory

Source: Author
Research by Ghasemi et al (2015) found that adding

clerestory in an atrium design would help in illuminating the spaces
inside the building. The indirect light that clerestory bring in will
reduce glare onto the user inside while maximising the illumination.
15
2.4.1 Clerestory Size
Based on Treado, et al (1984), clerestories are more effective

than windows of the same size. It is proven that the clerestory would
be helpful in improving daylighting inside a building. Ghasemi et al
(2015) cited if the height of the clerestory increased, the amount of
daylighting would also increase and minimising the usage of artificial
lighting thus lowering the energy usage entirely.
Figure 8 The illumination level depends on the size of clerestory

Source: Author
16
Figure 9 Illumination level depends on the height of clerestory

Source: Ghasemi et al (2014)
An optimum height of an atrium would be an 8m high with the

3m high skylight. This combination provides an adequate illumination
to the atrium itself and the adjacent spaces. Figure 9 shows the
result of Ghasemi et al (2015) research. The samples are at various
clerestory height and atrium base width.
17
2.4.2 Clerestory Orientation
The sun will rise from the east and set in the west. If the
opening is oriented towards the east, good sunlight in the morning
can be obtained but this will promote direct lighting and can cause
overheating of the space. Same goes if the opening is oriented
towards the west. The clerestory is meant for indirect lighting. Plus,
the orientation of clerestory in the atrium design will have an impact
on the rate of the illumination. The clerestories should be facing
south rather than facing north, as suggested by Mueller (2014).
Facing the clerestory to the north, or recommended, to the south will
result in indirect illumination. The clerestory will also result in the
opening to receive 12-hour sunlight due to sun direction.
According to Korsavi et al (2016), space that faces the south
will result in 71% of it receive adequate sunlight and 29% will receive
excessive sunlight while a space that faces the north will result in
20% of it receive adequate sunlight and 0% will receive excessive
sunlight. Based on this result, it is better to face the clerestory to the
south to ensure a well-lit space but needs to wary of glare, but space
will avoid glare if the clerestory is facing to the north but will have
less percentage of space that will receive adequate sunlight.
18
North
West
Glare
from
direct
light of
evening
sun
20% adequate
sunlight & 0%
excessive
sunlight
East
Glare
from
direct
light of
morning
sun
South
71% adequate
sunlight & 29%
excessive sunlight
Figure 10 Effect of different orientation of the clerestory

Source: Mueller (2014) and Korsavi et al (2016)
19
2.5 Illumination
Illumination in the tropics should not be a problem in a building

with a good design atrium. Atriums nowadays can be seen as a place
for an exhibition or an event. In fact, Hourani and Hommand (2012)
cited that the dynamics of an architectural space can be activated be
quality daylight. The rate of illumination that is usually desired is 5
percent of the daylight outside, as stated by Mueller (2014) which is
500 lux on a clear sunny day.
Edmonds and Greenup (2002) cited that tropic climate
buildings usually have heavily shaded windows to prevent glare, but
this resulted in the minimal utilisation of natural light. The daylighting
in the tropical climate is unexpectedly lower than commonly attained
in temperate regions. The tropics achieved less than the design
levels of 500 Lux for a country that provide more than 120 Klux every
day.
A careful thought on designing an opening for natural
illumination, but at the same time to minimise the excessive daylight

outside is needed in Malaysia.
Daylight factor, an equation that determined the illumination
level as well lit or gloomy (Ghasemi et al, 2015). It is calculated the
range of a suitable daylight factor is between 1000 lux and 3600 lux.
Any readings below 1000 Lux are considered gloomy and any
reading that exceeds 3600 lakes are considered over lit and could
cause glare. The range of the daylight factor is to ensure the visual
20
comfort of the user and for not causing glare that would increase
discomfort.
2.6
Conclusion
Design parameters of elements of an atrium have been

closely reviewed. The elements of an atrium are well agreed to affect
the illumination level of the atrium base. The effect varies as the
design parameters of the element changes, but for the better future
of atrium design, the researchers narrowed down to the best design.
As a recap, the design parameters that are listed are skylights
type, skylights shape and size, skylights height, clerestorys size,
and clerestorys orientation. The skylight type is best designed at a
certain height, adjusted to building design. Different type of skylights
can cater the different need of a design, by adjusting the height and
width ratio of the skylight. As for size and shape, a circular shape is
efficient accompanied with a large size of the skylight. As for the
height, the higher the skylights height, the lower the illumination level
of the atrium base. Clerestory size needs to be proportionate to the
height of the skylight and does not need to be very large as to avoid
glare. Clerestory should be facing south. The best design of the
design parameters is tabulated as to serve as a guideline for the
case studies.
21
Elements
Design parameters
Best design
Lightscoop is a poor
skylight.
The monitor skylight
is
Type
Skylight
better
than
lightscoop. Lightwell
skylight
and
flat
skylight
can
be
adjusted
with
the
height of skylight and

width of the atrium.
Adjust the height of
Height
skylight
with
the
width of the atrium.

Shape and Size
Size
Clerestory
Larger
circular
to
permit more light.

Larger to permit more
light.
South to ensure a
Orientation
high percentage of
the well-lit area.
Table 1 Best design of design parameters to increase illumination level.
22
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The methodology involves observing the atrium and also the

spaces adjacent to atrium and measurement of the rate of
illumination using the device lux meter. The data are collected for a
few days under bright sky conditions. This method applies to both
samples that are Paradigm Mall and Sunway Pyramid. The data of
both samples are compared to produce a compulsive conclusion
afterwards.
3.2 Research Methods
The research uses case study method. Two case studies have
been chosen for a comparative result. The two shopping arcades
chosen is Paradigm Mall and Sunway Pyramid, which is both located
in Petaling Jaya. Both malls have an atrium that is different in
characteristics in both clerestory and the atrium itself. An observation
on design parameters is conducted and measurement of illumination
level is conducted for 4 days.
23
3.3 Research Process
To study the effect of atrium design to illumination in shopping malls

in Petaling Jaya
Literature Review
Skylight
Clerestory
Illumination
Case study
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Paradigm Mall
Sunway Pyramid
Effects of illumination in relation to design parameters

Conclusion
24
3.4 Data Collection
Two case studies of this study are Paradigm Mall and Sunway
Pyramid, which both is located in Petaling Jaya. Paradigm Mall is
chosen because Paradigm Mall is a new shopping mall with new
ideas to improve the comfort of the users. Saving energy and using
natural light have been a goal for new buildings. Therefore, great
things are hoped from this shopping mall. While Sunway Pyramid, a
20 years old shopping mall that was built to attract public with very
little attention to the spaces. The Sunway Pyramid aims to attract
tourists that are visiting Malaysia with a themed shopping mall and
proven to be a luxury place for shopping daily needs. The difference
of age of both shopping mall is the primary reason of chosen.
Observation of the design parameters of the atrium will be
recorded and tabulated and will be compared with each other
afterwards. Criteria that is desired are shown in Table 2.
25
Elements
Design parameters
Best design
Skylight
Type
Lightscoop is a poor
skylight.
Height
Adjust the height of

skylight
with
the
width of atrium
Clerestory
Shape and Size
Larger circular
Size
Larger
Orientation
South
Table 2 Desired criteria of the design parameters of an atrium
Measurement of illumination level in both of the shopping mall

atrium and is tabulated. Measurements are taken using the T-10
Illuminance meter and recorded in lux unit. Illumination levels are
taken at 9 points on the atriums base floor that are named
alphabetically. Points A-Is layout are based on the atriums
orientation. Both data of observation and measurement of the
atriums are compared.
26
3.5
Data analysis
The observed design parameters are recorded and tabulated

for both of the case studies. The data from observation are compared.
Measurement of illumination level of both case studies
recorded using the T-10 Illuminance meter under the sunny clear sky
for 4 days. Reading from both case studies are compared. The
average of the reading in 4 days are calculated and then compared
according to the time of measurement.
The compared illumination level is compared in relation to
their respective design parameters of the atrium. The table of
comparative analysis of illumination level in relation to their design
parameters is as follow,
Design
parameters
Paradigm Mall
Sunway
Analysis
Pyramid
Skylights type
Skylights height
Skylights shape
and size
Clerestorys
size
Clerestorys
orientation
Table 3 Comparative analysis of illumination level in relation to design parameters
27
3.6
Content organisation
This study contains 5 chapters.

Chapter 1:
The first chapter is about the background of the
study and claims. The problem statement is discussed as well as the

aim and objectives of the research. The research method is
explained as well.
Chapter 2:
The second chapter clarifies the definition of
atrium characteristics and design parameters of an atriums element.

It justifies the illumination rate of the spaces inside a building of the
tropics.
Chapter 3:
The methodology used for this research are
carefully explained for a fleet insight.

Chapter 4:
The background of case studies is elaborated
especially on the atrium of the sample. Points of taking the

measurement are marked and the readings are tabulated and the
average is calculated. Using the average data, both case studies are
compared to decide which have the best illumination level in the last
chapter.
Chapter 5:
Using the collected data, the conclusion can be
drawn.
28
CHAPTER 4:
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction
Two case studies are chosen to compare both design

parameters with one another. A first case study is Paradigm Mall and
second is Sunway Pyramid. Both atria of the shopping malls are
carefully observed.
4.2 Case Study 1: Paradigm Mall

4.2.1 Background
Figure 11 Paradigm Mall

Source: www.paradigmmall.com
29
The first case study is Paradigm Mall which is located 9.8km

from Sunway Pyramid via Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong. Located
in SS7 in Kelana Jaya and based on Facebookcom (2016), this
shopping mall opened in 2012, this shopping mall housed an atrium
that is rather vibrant and filled with light. Designed with maroon steel
cladding and can be clearly seen if driving along the Lebuhraya
Damansara-Puchong. 7 storeys are dedicated for retail shop and 2
basement parking levels and 2 upper levels for upper parking.
Research area
Figure 12 Paradigm Mall's UG floor plan

Source: paradigmmallcommy (2016)
The atrium of this mall is based on UG level, the third level for
the retail shops, and went up to the roof. Escalators placing is
crooked at the edge of the atrium. The atrium is connected to a
concourse as can be seen in the plan.
30
4.2.2 Skylight design: The Upper Atrium
This atrium is called the Upper Atrium. This atrium shape is

oval and the base is always full with events week after week. Rather
than the usual skylight, this atrium is designed with lightwell skylights,
and with a large size of clerestory that is continuously facing from
West to East. The light wells are 3 meters deep and are in white
colour. In fact, the whole atrium and the spaces adjacent to the
atrium are white. All lightwell skylights shape is irregular and in
different sizes. The spacing between each other is also irregular. The
clerestory opening is wide open from East to West, facing the North
horizon.
The Upper Atrium visibly has a high illumination level to all
spaces inside. Despite the fact that the atrium are large and the
skylight placement is high. Natural lights are definitely used very well
in this atrium design.
31
Figure 13 Oval shape of the Paradigm Malls atrium

Source: Author
Figure 14 Paradigm Mall's lightwell skylights and clerestory

Source: Author
32
The device used in this research is T-10A Illuminance Meter

that can accurately measure the rate of illumination. Measurement of
illumination is done weekly on a bright sunny day to obtain solid data
to make conclusions. Because the Upper Atrium has an oval plan,
the points of taking the measurement distribution are crooked. Same
as Sunways points distribution, the points are linear to each of the
compass points.
D
E
C
F
Figure 15 Points layout of Upper Atrium
33
Procedure:
1. Standing on the spot A, using the Illuminance meter,
illumination is recorded.
2. The second spot is 10 steps linearly to the north from
spot A. Illumination recorded.
3. Step 1 and 2 are repeated for spot C, D, E, F, G, H and I.
4. All data are tabulated.
5. Step 1 to 3 is repeated on the next sunny clear sky day.

a) Data collection for 4 days
Data collected for 4 days at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Data
recorded are all in lux. Average for 4 days are calculated to produce
a comparative result between two case studies.
34
A
10am
895
1100 1120 1350
950
845
920
1005
985
12pm 1400 1650 2005 2100 1200 1235 1650 3800 1450
2pm
2560 1105 1240
670
470
930
875
680
260
Table 4 Illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall on Day 1
10am
850
935
1000 1100
800
825
910
985
955
12pm 1300 1722 2100 2150 1300 1230 1790 3910 1600
2pm
2860 1045 1230
630
460
930
870
630
250
10am
860
950
1200 1305
850
855
915
990
950
12pm 1555 1855 2200 2205 1450 1300 1805 4005 1850
2pm
2800 1100 1230
650
425
940
880
640
265
10am
810
900
1100 1215
820
775
900
950
910
12pm 1305 1905 2305 2110 1300 1255 1865 4065 1780
2pm
2760 1105 1245
695
490
960
850
740
305
35
b) Average Result
10am
850
970
1105 1240
855
825
910
980
950
12pm 1390 1780 2150 2140 1310 1255 1780 3945 1670
2pm
2745 1090 1240
660
460
940
870
670
270
Table 8 Average illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall for 4 days
Average Illum ination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall
10am
12pm
2pm
4500
Illumination level (lux)
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
SPOT A SPOT B SPOT C SPOT D SPOT E SPOT F SPOT G SPOT H SPOT I
Spot
Figure 16 Graph of average illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall for 4 days
Most readings that measured achieved the suitable daylight

factor on all measurement time. The fluctuation is uneven in several
spots. Visibly on spot A and H. At 12pm, spot H is higher at other
time while spot A is higher at 2pm than at other time. The odd
reading is caused by the atrium characteristics itself.
36
The large clerestory size helped in bringing more light into the
internal space, as a result, the readings achieved the suitable
daylight factor and are well lit at most of the time.
37
4.3 Case study 2: Sunway Pyramid

4.3.1 Background
Figure 17 Sunway Pyramid

Source: wikipediacom (2016)
The second case study that is chosen is Sunway Pyramid.

Based on wikipediacom (2006) Sunway Pyramid opened in 1997,
Sunway Pyramid is Malaysias first themed shopping that is located
in Bandar Sunway. Developed by Sunway Group, this entertainment
arcade has retail space of 4 million square feet.
The Egyptian-
inspired Pyramid is the main lobby and main entrance as well as the
main section of the mall. The Egyptian-inspired Pyramid is guarded
by a mesmerizing lion that is the malls logo and mascot.
38
Research area
Figure 18 Sunway Pyramid's G floor plan

Source: venusbuzzcom (2016)
Above is the Ground Plan of Sunway Pyramid. Both atriums of

Sunway Pyramid based on this floor. The large dedicated space for
the retail shop can be clearly seen through on this map, although the
retail and visibly large, the utilities for public like washrooms and
prayer room are not set aside.
4.3.2 Atrium design: The Sun and the River
The expansion of the mall included two atriums that are

Orange Atrium and Blue Atrium. Both atriums are inspired from
Egyptians elements. The Orange Atrium, themed after the Sun God
Ra, shaded with bright colour and solar flare patterns. Meanwhile,
the Blue Atrium is inspired from the Great River Nile, with blue
shades symbolising the waves of the Nile.
39
Reasons that made Sunway Pyramid as the chosen case

study because the atriums have appropriate height and clerestory to
comply the needed factor of the research. Comparing the Blue
Atrium and Orange Atrium, the distinct difference between the both at
is the colour and the clerestory characteristics.
Figure 19 Blue Atrium

Source: Author
Figure 20 Orange Atrium

Source: Author
40
Between the two atria, Blue Atrium are chosen. It has a

circular floor plan. One of the reason is the Blue Atrium does not
have events that can prevent the data collection to occur. The other
atrium is merrier than the Blue Atrium and that is a bad thing for data
collection.
The Blue Atrium have 12 meters in diameters of the traditional
flat circular skylight with glazing at the centre of the skylight. The
placement of the skylight is high and out of reach of any visitor. The
atrium is surrounded with clerestory of size 1.5m x 1.5m, but only the
ones that are facing the north is not blocked. Generally, the atrium
looked a bit gloomy but are lighten up with various design of artificial
lighting around the atrium.
41
The device used in this research is T-10A Illuminance Meter

that can accurately measure the rate of illumination. Measurement of
illumination is done weekly on a bright sunny day to obtain solid data
to make a conclusion. Below shows the layout of taking
measurement points on the Blue Atrium plan. Each point is 10 steps
apart. Point C to E is linear to North, point C to I is linear to East,
point C to A is linear to South, and point C to F is to West.
C
H
Figure 21 Points layout for Blue Atrium
42
Procedure:
1. Standing on the spot A, using the illuminance meter,
illumination is recorded.
2. The second spot is 10 steps linearly to the north from
spot A. Illumination recorded.
3. Step 1 and 2 are repeated for spot C, D, E, F, G, H and I.
4. All data are tabulated.
5. Step 1 to 3 is repeated on the next sunny clear sky day.

a) Data collection for 4 days
Data collected for 4 days at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Data
recorded are all in lux. Averages for 4 days are calculated to produce
a comparative result between two case studies.
43
10am 400
410
580
450
355
420
500
470
180
12pm 3560 1200 940
715
510
540
750
870
240
2pm
470
430
330
415
420
230
260
440
570
Table 9 Illumination level (lux) of Sunway Pyramid on Day 1
10am 390
400
550
430
350
410
500
480
200
12pm 4630 1150 980
730
540
500
750
880
260
2pm
450
430
340
420
435
210
295
410
580
10am 320
390
455
470
335
315
415
450
170
12pm 2700 798
857
790
570
630
785
700
255
2pm
565
425
440
315
435
415
230
260
400
420
450
560
510
400
320
520
450
200
12pm 3560 1150
940
750
550
505
750
860
250
2pm
560
480
460
365
420
410
210
10am
230
395
44
B) Average data collection
The data collected for 4 days are averaged and tabulated in

Table 11 below.
380
410
540
465
360
370
760
460
190
12pm 3610 1075
930
750
540
545
760
830
250
2pm
570
460
440
340
420
420
220
10am
260
410
Table 13 Average illumination level (lux) of Sunway Pyramid for 4 days
A v e r a g e i l l u m i n a t i o n l e v e l ( l u x ) o f S u n w a y P yr a m i d
10am
12pm
2pm
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Spot
Figure 22 Graph of average illumination level (lux) of Sunway Pyramid for 4 days
45
Sunway Pyramids illumination level are generally below 1000

lux at 10am and 2pm, but some spots are above 1000 lux at 12pm
especially at spot A. The high illumination level is caused by the
direct sunlight hitting the spot A through the circular skylight. Spot As
illumination level at other times is below 1500 lux like the other spots.
Based on daylighting factor, Sunway Pyramid is under acceptable
daylighting factor that an atrium should achieve, that is above 1000
lux and under 3600 lux at most of the time excluding spot A and B at
2pm that is above 1000 lux, that is 3610 and 1075 lux respectively.
The high illumination level of spot A caused glare and a significantly
warmer spot in the atrium.
46
4.4 Comparative analysis
All data of observation and measurement are tabulated and

both data are compared in the same table for a comparative analysis
for illumination level in relation to design parameters
Observation data are tabulated and commented based on
their appearance. The design parameters are carefully observed and
the data are recorded and tabulated. A table produced for each of the
case study and then both are compared and commented based on
observation.
Average of measure data for 4 days are tabulated and
separated according to measuring time.
A comparative analysis of both case studies is produced of the
illumination level in the relation to design parameters.
47
4.4.1 Observation of design parameters

a) Paradigm Mall\s atrium observation data
Design Parameter
Photos
Skylights type
Comment
Lightwell skylights
Figure 23 Paradigm Mall's
lightwell skylight
Skylights height
6 levels high

levels
Skylights shape and
Shape is irregular
size
and in various size

skylight
Clerestory is 3.5m
Clerestorys size
high and continuous

clerestory
Clerestorys
orientation
Facing North
Table 14 Paradigm Malls atrium observation data
48
b) Sunway Pyramids atrium observation data

Design parameters
Photos
Comment
Traditional flat
Skylights type
circular skylight with

glazing at the centre
Figure 27 Sunway
Pyramid's flat skylight
Skylights height
6 levels of height
Figure 28 Sunway
Pyramids levels
Shape is circle and
Skylights shape and
in 10 meters in
size
diameter
Figure 29 Sunway
Pyramids skylight
1.5m x 1.5 m and

Clerestorys size
spaced at 1.5m
between each other
Figure 30 Sunway
Pyramids clerestory
Clerestorys
orientation
Facing North
Table 15 Sunway Pyramid's atrium observation data
49
c) Comparison and comment on Paradigm Malls and Sunway

Pyramids design parameters
Design
Paradigm Mall
parameters
Skylights type
Sunway
Comment
Pyramid
Flat circular
Lightwell
Lightwell
skylight with
skylight can
skylights
glazing at
distribute light
centre
more effective.
Skylights height 6 levels
6 levels
Same skylight
level.
Paradigm Mall
Skylights shape
and size
Shape is
Circular at
irregular and in
dimension of
various size
11m
has a number of
skylights than
Sunway
Pyramids
atrium.
Clerestorys
size
Larger size can

Large
Small
bring in more
light.
North facing
clerestory can
Clerestorys
orientation
North
North
reduce glare but

have a lower
percentage of
the well-lit area.
Table 16 Comparison and comment on Paradigm Malls and Sunway

Pyramids design parameters.
50
4.4.2 Measurement of illumination level

The averaged data are then tabulated according to the time
taken for measurement to be compared.
a) Illumination level comparison at 10 am
Paradigm
Mall
Sunway
Pyramid
850
970
380
410
1105 1240
855
825
910
980
950
540
360
370
760
460
190
465
Table 17 Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 10am
Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 10am
Paradigm Mall
Sunway Pyramid
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Spot
Figure 31 Graph of average illumination level (lux) comparison at 10am
At
10am,
Paradigm
Malls
illumination
readings
are
significantly higher than Sunway Pyramids reading. Most of the spot

at Paradigm Mall is generally above 800 lux but is not enough to
achieve the suitable daylight factor. The same to Sunway Pyramid
that is mostly under 800 lux. At 10am, the suns position is nowhere
51
high enough to give a suitable daylight factor but Paradigm Malls

atrium gave a good reading than Sunway Pyramid even though both
does not achieve the suitable daylight factor.
b) Illumination level comparison at 12pm
A
Paradigm
Mall
Sunway
Pyramid
1390 1780 2150 2140 1310 1255 1780 3945 1670
3610 1075
930
750
540
545
760
830
250
Table 18 Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 12pm
Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 12pm
Paradigm Mall
Pyramid
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Spot
Figure 32 Graph of average illumination level (lux) comparison at 12pm
Measurement taken at all spot in Paradigm Malls atrium

achieved the suitable daylight factor than Sunway Pyramids atrium
that is lower. Spot H of Paradigm Mall is slightly higher than the
suitable daylight factor due to the sun orientation and fluctuated
52
higher than it should. Sunway Pyramids reading does not fluctuate at

an abnormal rate like Paradigm Mall but given it is measured at
12pm, this atrium is gloomy rather than Paradigm Malls atrium that is
well lit on that time of the day.
c) Illumination level comparison at 2pm
A
Paradigm
Mall
Sunway
Pyramid
2745 1090 1240
660
460
940
870
670
270
260
460
440
340
420
420
220
410
570
Table 19 Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 2pm
Average illumination level (lux) comparison at 12pm
Paradigm Mall
Sunway Pyramid
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Spot
Figure 33 Graph of average illumination level (lux) comparison at 12pm
Most of the spots reading at Paradigm Mall is higher than

Sunway Pyramids reading. Spot E and I at both malls have almost
53
the same reading as both spots are layout at the edge of the atrium
and predicted to not have a high reading at most of the time. The
high reading of spot A, B, C and D Paradigm Mall are caused by a
large amount of sunlight that is brought in by the large size of the
clerestory. The smaller sized clerestory of Sunway Pyramid resulted
in low illumination level at 2pm.
Through measurement of the case studies illumination
reading, it resulted in Paradigm Malls Upper Atrium have a better
reading than Sunway Pyramids. The reading of each time of the day
is higher and satisfying for the comfort of public.
54
4.4.3 Comparative analysis of illumination level in relation to

design parameters
Through measurement, Paradigm Mall has resulted in higher

illumination level and achieved suitable daylight factor. A comparison
table of illumination level in relation to design parameters is done to
give a better understanding of the difference that leads to a higher
illumination level of Paradigm Malls atrium.
Design
Paradigm
Sunway
parameters
Mall
Pyramid
Analysis
The design of lightwell

skylight allows the presence
of more than one skylight
than a regular design. This
allows more light into the
atrium space and helps in
Skylights
Lightwell
Flat circular
increasing the illumination
type
skylights
skylight
level.
The Sunway Pyramids
atrium should be designed
with the different type of
skylight to increase the
illumination level of the
atrium.
Both atria are at the same
Skylights
height
skylights height so this

6 levels
6 levels
design parameter does not

affect the illumination level
in any way at all.
55
The glazing of the Sunway

Pyramids skylight is one of
the constraints of the atrium
for getting higher
Skylights
shape and
size
The shape
is irregular
and in
various size
Circular at a
illumination level.
diameter of
Meanwhile, the irregular
12 meters
shape and size of the
with glazing
Paradigm Malls skylight
at centre.
distribute sunlight quite

evenly to the oval shaped
atrium and helps to
increase the illumination
level.
Paradigm Malls clerestory
is larger in size than
Sunway Pyramids. This is
the largest contributor of the
high illumination level in
Clerestorys
size
Large
Small
Paradigm Malls atrium

space.
The small clerestory of
Sunway Pyramids atrium
also one of the reasons the
illumination level is lower
than it should
If the clerestory of Sunway
Pyramid faced the south,
Clerestorys
orientation
the illumination level would

North
North
probably higher than

measured but will result in
glare for Paradigm Malls
atrium.
Table 20 Comparative analysis of illumination level in relation to design parameters
56
CHAPTER 5:
CONCLUSION
There are so many to think on during atrium designing stage.

The designers of Paradigm Malls Upper Atrium and Sunway
Pyramids
Blue
Atrium
have
different ways
of
thinking,
in
incorporating different element into their design. The usage of both

case studies skylight and clerestory have resulted in different
fluctuation of illumination level. Affected by the different size and
types of skylights and clerestory, the illumination level collected gave
an insight of that reading can vary according to the size of clerestory
and the size of the skylight. The Paradigm Mall large size of atrium
have a higher reading than the small sized atrium of Sunway
Pyramid.
The lightwell of Paradigm Mall distributes the lights evenly,
diffusing it to the atrium base, helped with large and continuous
clerestory that are facing north. The clerestory design helped the
Upper Atrium to illuminates space but it does promote glare on some
of the spot of the atrium. On the other hand, Sunway Pyramids Blue
Atrium clerestory are not continuous and spaced at 1.5 m between
each of them. The size of the clerestory is smaller and caused lower
illumination level on most of the time.
57
In conclusion, designers should work together in designing a

good atrium like Paradigm Malls Upper Atrium and add elements to
reduce glare on some spots. Keeping the atrium well lit of natural
light would be a success and can lead to a green environment as it is
lower the usage of energy.
58
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THE EFFECT OF ATRIUM DESIGN TO

ILLUMINATION LEVEL IN SHOPPING MALLS IN

This report has been submitted to the Department of Architecture,

: SITI NAJWA BINTI MUHAMMAD MAJDI

This research had been checked by:

: Haji Wan Zulkifali bin Wan Mohd

: Dr. Mimi Zaleha binti Abdul Ghani

First and foremost, thank you to Allah SWT for giving me

Scope and Limitation

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.3.1 Skylight Type

2.3.2 Skylight Shape and Size

2.3.3 Skylight Height

2.4.1 Clerestory Size

2.4.2 Clerestory Orientation

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND FINDINGS

4.2.2 Atrium design: The Upper Atrium

4.2.3 Measurement: Illumination Level

4.2.4 Results and Findings

4.3.2 Atrium design: The Sun and the River

4.3.3 Measurement: Illumination Level

4.3.4 Results and Findings

4.4.1 Observation of Design Parameters

4.4.2 Measurement of Illumination Data

4.4.3 Comparative Analysis of Illumination Level in

Figure 1: Skylight types

Figure 2: Lightwell skylights of Paradigm Mall

Figure 3: Lightscoop skylight of Alamanda Putrajaya

Figure 4: Square skylight of PKNS Bangi

Figure 5: Circular skylight of Sunway Pyramid

Figure 6: Atrium without clerestory

Figure 7: Atrium with clerestory

Figure 8: The illumination level depends on the size of clerestory 16

Figure 10: effect of different orientation if the clerestory

Figure 11: Paradigm Mall

Figure 12: Paradigm Malls UG floor plan

Figure 13: Oval shape of the Paradigm Mall atrium

Figure 14: Paradigm Malls lightwell and clerestory

Figure 15: Points layout for Upper Atrium

Figure 16: Graph of average illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall

Figure 18: Sunway Pyramids G floor plan

Figure 19: Blue Atrium

Figure 20: Orange Atrium

Figure 21: Points layout for Blue Atrium

Figure 22: Graph of average illumination level (lux) of Sunway

Figure 24: Paradigm Malls level

Figure 25: Paradigm Malls skylight

Figure 26: Paradigm Malls clerestory

Figure 27: Sunway Pyramids flat skylight

Figure 28: Sunway Pyramids levels

Figure 29: Sunway Pyramids skylight

Figure 30: Sunway Pyramids clerestory

Figure 31: Graph of average illumination level (lux) comparison at

Table 1: Best design of design parameters of an atrium

Table 2: Desired criteria of the design parameters of an atrium

Table 3: Comparative analysis of illumination level in relation to

Table 5: Illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall on Day 2

Table 6: Illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall on Day 3

Table 7: Illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall on Day 4

Table 8: Average illumination level (lux) of Paradigm Mall for 4 days

Table 10: Illumination level (lux) of Sunway Pyramid on Day 2

Table 11: Illumination level (lux) of Sunway Pyramid on Day 3