Interpreting the space characteristics of everyday heritage gardens of Suzhou, China, through a space syntax approach

Suzhou's everyday heritage gardens, representing the intersection of Chinese culture and spatial design, can be categorized into four distinct groups based on their architectural diversity, spatial harmony, and navigational complexity. A study using space syntax and statistical analysis revealed that Cluster A (17 gardens) balances architectural variety with seamless movement, while Cluster B (7 gardens) emphasizes open landscapes for clarity. Cluster C (2 gardens) combines architectural richness with spatial coherence but introduces navigational challenges. Yi Garden stands alone in Cluster D, offering a complex yet engaging spatial experience. These findings highlight the influence of ownership and cultural context on garden design, providing insights applicable to heritage preservation globally.

Liu, K., Wang, Y., Yang, R., Xian, Z., Takeda, S., Zhang, J., & Xing, S. (2024). Interpreting the space characteristics of everyday heritage gardens of Suzhou, China, through a space syntax approach. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 24(5), 3471–3496. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2396625