Taking the first largespace atrium Metro station in Nanjing, which is constructed by cut and cover method, as an example, the authors analyze the key factors that influence the design of the atrium structure, including the restriction effect of the structure composed by the remaining intermediate floor slabs and the intermediate columns on the side walls and the structural safety and stability of the intermediate columns under lateral displacement conditions. Furthermore, the authors also propose methods and measures that can be used as references for the design of similar projects in the future.