Publications
A Deep Learning Approach to Intelligent Detection of Shedthin Tile Pathology in Suzhou Classical Gardens
A deep learning model, YOLO11-seg, achieved high accuracy in detecting four key pathologies—water stains, color aberration, surface scaling, and excessive gaps—in shedthin tiles from Suzhou Classical Gardens, with an overall accuracy of 74.38%. This approach significantly accelerates detection speed by an order of magnitude compared to traditional visual surveys, standardizes assessments across inspectors, and captures early-stage micro-pathologies often missed in manual inspections. The study provides a quantitative analysis of damage severity, offering critical references for scientific restoration strategies. This methodology sets a replicable template for preserving other fragile, repetition-rich historical materials in architectural heritage.
Introducing cultural schema into heritage tourism map design: the case of ‘Suzhou Classical Gardens’ Narrative Map, China
A novel theoretical framework for heritage tourism map design, integrating cultural schema theory, has been developed to better represent local cultures and narratives. The study demonstrates its effectiveness through the 'Suzhou Classical Gardens' Narrative Map in China, highlighting how traditional cartographic paradigms can be enhanced by incorporating storytelling elements. Five key cartographic design guidelines are proposed, offering a fresh perspective for future research in this field.
Application of computer vision technology in surface damage detection and analysis of shedthin tiles in China: a case study of the classical gardens of Suzhou
A machine learning-based approach using the YOLOv4 model demonstrates high accuracy in detecting and classifying surface damage on shedthin tiles, a critical material in China's UNESCO-listed Classical Gardens of Suzhou. The model achieved comprehensive accuracy rates of 90.20%, with specific accuracies of 85.89% for water stains, 93.29% for surface scaling, 87.37% for color aberration, and 96.15% for gaps—exceeding basic testing requirements. This innovation overcomes traditional assessment limitations by automating damage detection, reducing time and labor costs while maintaining reliability in complex environments.
Exploring the correlation of space creation in Suzhou classical gardens and the Chinese calligraphy Yan Zhenqing’s three manuscripts
A profound correlation exists between the spatial design of Suzhou's classical gardens and the aesthetic principles embedded in Yan Zhenqing’s Three Manuscripts, revealing shared conceptual foundations rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy. The study identifies key spatial features—'Emptiness-Substance' and 'Denseness-Sparseness'—as universal elements that bridge calligraphy and garden architecture, demonstrating their application through case studies like the Humble Administrators’ Garden, Lingering Garden, and Master of Nets Garden. Employing the theoretical framework of 'Heterogeneous Homology,' this research underscores how both arts fulfill 'Correspondence and Guidance' by integrating spatial boundaries in harmonious ways. The findings affirm ancient Chinese ideals of natural unity, suggesting that these spatial techniques could inform future urban planning and architectural design to preserve and expand upon Asian cultural heritage.
Research on the restorative effects and perception of privacy driven activities in Chinese classical gardens—Case studies of three Suzhou gardens
Privacy-driven activities (PDA) in Chinese classical gardens significantly enhance emotional recovery, reduce stress, and restore attention more effectively than conventional leisure activities. A study comparing three Suzhou gardens revealed that PDA's restorative effects are influenced by five key environmental factors: spatial scale and accessibility, spatial atmosphere, activity facilities, and others. Spatial scale and accessibility were most critical for preferring privacy-oriented environments, while spatial atmosphere and activity facilities had the greatest impact on restorative outcomes. The research suggests behavioral activities mediate the relationship between environmental features and restorative effects, offering insights into designing restorative spaces that leverage PDA's potential.
Thermal Comfort, Visibility, and the Spatial Layout in Classical Gardens of Suzhou, China
Traditional Chinese gardens, exemplified by the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, demonstrate a high degree of adaptability to environmental conditions through their spatial layout and design techniques. This study reveals that the arrangement of garden spaces is not only consistent with conventional visual guidance but also optimizes thermal comfort and visibility. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, researchers analyzed the physical environments within these gardens, finding that winding paths and turning points create dynamic visual contrasts—shifting from closed to open spaces—which enhance spatial experiences. Additionally, the strategic placement of buildings contributes to both atmospheric effects and visual concealment, improving thermal comfort. The research combines architectural design and spatial planning perspectives, offering innovative insights for modern garden design by integrating theoretical applications with advanced analytical methods.
Systematic Method for Monitoring and Early-Warning of Garden Heritage Ontology Used in the Suzhou Classical Garden Heritage
A systematic method for monitoring and early-warning of garden heritage ontologies, applied to the Suzhou Classical Gardens, demonstrates how fuzzy cluster analysis can integrate qualitative and quantitative indicators to assess heritage states. This approach enables matching heritage conditions with specific warning grades through data similarity matrices, membership matrices, and fuzzy equivalence matrices. The model, tested on five types of heritage ontologies comprising 27 monitoring indicators, leverages MATLAB for precise early-warning results. Its adaptability allows for expansion or refinement of heritage categories, making it a robust tool for comprehensive heritage assessment.
How to survey, model, and measure rockeries in a Chinese classical garden: a case study for Huanxiu Shanzhuang, Suzhou, China
Advanced digital survey techniques, including terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry, have been successfully applied to document and analyze rockeries in Huanxiu Shanzhuang. This study demonstrates that these methods can accurately model and measure both piled mountains and single monoliths, providing precise morphometric data for Chinese classical garden rockeries. By comparing techniques across different situations, the research establishes a robust approach for documenting this unique cultural heritage element. The findings contribute to preserving and understanding the intricate design of rockeries, which are distinctive features of Chinese gardens and reflect their cultural significance.
Study on the Composition of Boundary Space in the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, China
A study of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, China, reveals that boundary spaces are predominantly composed of linear elements and exhibit a prevalence of miniature courtyards (xs) and side courtyards (s), with most featuring trees and stones as key landscape elements. The research analyzed 137 abstract diagrams to identify spatial composition rules, highlighting that the 'paste' space type is most common while S-type and M-type scales dominate courtyard designs. This insight provides a deeper understanding of the architectural and landscaping principles underlying Suzhou's classical gardens.
The Spatial Feature of Different Architecture Type in Classical Private Gardens of Suzhou from the Aspect of Horizontal Tablet
Research on the Classical Gardens of Suzhou reveals that horizontal tablets—inscribed elements in these gardens—reflect distinct spatial features tied to architectural function. A cluster analysis of seven iconic gardens identified five groups of tablets, each emphasizing different themes such as comprehensive beauty, sensory experiences (e.g., weather, plants), talent and morality, or hermitage ideals. The study found that ornamental gardens prioritize overall aesthetic appeal, while study-type gardens incorporate elements of nature and intellectual reflection. Activity-focused gardens emphasize moral and philosophical themes, whereas transition-type gardens highlight reclusive ideologies. These patterns suggest that the design philosophy of Suzhou gardens was deeply influenced by historical context, transforming limited physical spaces into expansive symbolic landscapes through tablet content.
Study on 3D Laser Scanning Measurement and Visual Expression Application in Suzhou Classical Gardens
3D laser scanning technology emerges as a powerful tool for the accurate measurement and visual expression of Suzhou's classical gardens, offering significant potential for preserving their rich cultural heritage. This study demonstrates that such technology can capture detailed cloud data and process it into precise digital representations using AutoCAD software. By achieving high-fidelity 3D visualizations, researchers have shown that this method not only facilitates the documentation of garden architecture but also contributes to the long-term protection of these intangible cultural assets. The findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced digital techniques in heritage conservation efforts.
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