The Influence of Spatial Functions on the Public Space System of Traditional Settlements

Abstract

Public spaces are important places for various social functions and are also essential components of the cultural heritage of traditional settlements, which are suffering from blind function renewal and structural reconstruction during urbanization. It is essential to clarify the influence of spatial functions on spatial systems for the sustainable development of traditional settlements. Thus, based on the topology theory, we built a research framework for the relationship between public space functions and systems. Through field research, Pajek topological network analysis, and space syntax, we investigated the influence of spatial functions on the public space system of traditional settlements in terms of both structure and order. The research results of Zhang Guying Village demonstrate that (1) the public space of Zhang Guying Village has the structural characteristics of “axis-oriented and multi-core”; (2) the coordinated development of political, living, and traffic public spaces constitutes the formation logic of the public space system; (3) topological analysis of public spaces based on spatial functions helps in the optimization and functional reorganization of the public space system in traditional settlements. Hence, this study can provide understanding of the formation of the public space system and can also provide local administration adaptive reconfiguration strategies for the sustainable development of traditional settlements in the future.

Evaluating the Spatial Quality of Urban Living Streets: A Case Study of Hengyang City in Central South China

“…In addition, Spatial Syntax was used to assess the accessibility of streets in the study area using a 500-m accessibility radius, and 30% of streets with the highest accessibility scores were designated as high-accessibility spaces [27]. In addition, 30% of the streets with the lowest spatial quality scores were overlaid with high-accessibility streets to identify those with a high update priority [28].…”

An exploration of the self-similarity of traditional settlements: the case of Xiaoliangjiang Village in Jingxing, Hebei, China

“…It only considers the positional relationship between objects without considering their shapes and sizes. Topology simplifies and abstracts space into points and lines, which are used to construct topological networks [29]. The theory is widely used in urban planning, village planning, architecture, and other fields [30][31][32].…”