Understanding the spatial structures and morphological changes of historic Chinese built environments using angular segment analysis

Angular segment analysis (ASA) reveals unique spatial and morphological characteristics of historic Chinese built environments (HCBEs), offering critical insights for heritage conservation and tourism planning. This study, featuring four case studies—Pingyao, Lijiang, Kulangsu, and Wuzhen—demonstrates how ASA can systematically quantify medium-scale spatial structures and morphological changes in HCBEs. The findings highlight the influence of traditional Chinese design principles on urban layouts, providing actionable guidance for preserving cultural value while supporting sustainable development. This approach bridges a gap in quantitative spatial analysis, offering practical applications for policy and project planning.

Liao, P., Gu, N., Yu, R., & Brisbin, C. (2023). Understanding the spatial structures and morphological changes of historic Chinese built environments using angular segment analysis. Architectural Science Review, 67(3), 218–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2023.2240287