Heterotopia describes spaces that contradict or juxtapose locations found in the existing urban context (Foucault, 1984). They are basic building blocks throughout the city that change their role through use and time, becoming physical and figurative central spaces for societies. We advance the concept of heterotopia by focusing on atriums, as the unit of analysis, which is different from previous work that focused on traditional spatial types such as single buildings or outdoor public spaces.
