A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernity

As a vital element of the built heritage of East Asia, historical districts in the region encapsulate the collective memory of urban development, reflecting the distinctive urban fabrics and cultural characteristics of the area. However, with the rapid socioeconomic progress in East Asia, traditiona...

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Main Authors: Zehao Zhang, Yinying Tao, Kai Zhou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2499243
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author Zehao Zhang
Yinying Tao
Kai Zhou
author_facet Zehao Zhang
Yinying Tao
Kai Zhou
author_sort Zehao Zhang
collection DOAJ
description As a vital element of the built heritage of East Asia, historical districts in the region encapsulate the collective memory of urban development, reflecting the distinctive urban fabrics and cultural characteristics of the area. However, with the rapid socioeconomic progress in East Asia, traditional historical districts are facing an increasing number of challenges associated with renewal and transformation. This study aims to evaluate the spatial organisation and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective, with a focus on understanding the conflict and integration between traditional core areas and modern redevelopment zones. Specifically, the study examines the influence of spatial configuration on pedestrian movement by analysing spatial variables such as integration, choice, total depth, synergy, and intelligibility. To address these challenges, the paper proposes a research approach grounded in space syntax to provide a comprehensive analysis and description of the district’s spatial organisation. The findings reveal the characteristics of spatial organisation and structure across various scales, emphasising the importance of spatial logicality and consistency. Moreover, the paper provides recommendations for optimising spatial organisation and structure and practical strategies for reconciling the relationship between traditional core areas and modern redevelopment zones.
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spelling doaj-art-6f3b5f856a124a9ebb8a6e3218973bb52025-08-20T03:52:57ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering1347-28522025-05-010011610.1080/13467581.2025.24992432499243A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernityZehao Zhang0Yinying Tao1Kai Zhou2Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityZhejiang University of Science and TechnologyChongqing UniversityAs a vital element of the built heritage of East Asia, historical districts in the region encapsulate the collective memory of urban development, reflecting the distinctive urban fabrics and cultural characteristics of the area. However, with the rapid socioeconomic progress in East Asia, traditional historical districts are facing an increasing number of challenges associated with renewal and transformation. This study aims to evaluate the spatial organisation and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective, with a focus on understanding the conflict and integration between traditional core areas and modern redevelopment zones. Specifically, the study examines the influence of spatial configuration on pedestrian movement by analysing spatial variables such as integration, choice, total depth, synergy, and intelligibility. To address these challenges, the paper proposes a research approach grounded in space syntax to provide a comprehensive analysis and description of the district’s spatial organisation. The findings reveal the characteristics of spatial organisation and structure across various scales, emphasising the importance of spatial logicality and consistency. Moreover, the paper provides recommendations for optimising spatial organisation and structure and practical strategies for reconciling the relationship between traditional core areas and modern redevelopment zones.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2499243sustainable developmentasian historical districtsspatial configurationtradition and modernitycultural heritage
spellingShingle Zehao Zhang
Yinying Tao
Kai Zhou
A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernity
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
sustainable development
asian historical districts
spatial configuration
tradition and modernity
cultural heritage
title A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernity
title_full A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernity
title_fullStr A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernity
title_full_unstemmed A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernity
title_short A study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of Suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective: conflict and integration between tradition and modernity
title_sort study on the spatial organization and structural evolution of suzhou historical districts from a multiscale perspective conflict and integration between tradition and modernity
topic sustainable development
asian historical districts
spatial configuration
tradition and modernity
cultural heritage
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2499243
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