Landed and Rooted: A Comparative Study of Traditional Hakka Dwellings (Tulous and Weilong Houses) Based on the Methodology of Space Syntax

A comparative analysis of traditional Hakka dwellings, specifically Tulous and Weilong Houses, reveals distinct spatial configurations that reflect differing community paradigms. Tulous maintain a centralized ancestral hall with high spatial configurational values, serving as both spiritual and living center for residents. In contrast, Weilong Houses exhibit decentralization, gridification, reduced defensive capabilities, and increased residential privatization, alongside a separation of secular and ritual spaces. This shift suggests a decline in ritualization and an increase in secularization among Hakka communities inhabiting Weilong Houses. The study employed space syntax methodology to quantitatively analyze six case studies, highlighting the 'landed' and 'rooted' existence paradigms of Hakkas in the Guangdong–Fujian–Jiangxi border area.

Hu, L., & Yang, T. (2023). Landed and Rooted: A Comparative Study of Traditional Hakka Dwellings (Tulous and Weilong Houses) Based on the Methodology of Space Syntax. Buildings, 13(10), 2644. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102644