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Exploring the Distribution of Gardens in Suzhou City in the Qianlong Period through a Space Syntax Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Jiayan Yun

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Rd., Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Wenbo Yu

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Rd., Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Hao Wang

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Rd., Nanjing 210037, China)

Abstract

This study explored the spatial distribution of Suzhou gardens in the Qianlong period (AD 1736–1796) through an innovative method combining spatial syntax and historical textual analysis. Through a spatial syntax approach, a street axis model analysis suggested that the greater the degree of integration and prosperity of a street, the denser the distribution of gardens surrounding it. A canal axis model analysis indicated that more gardens were built around canals that were less integrated and had less traffic. The accuracy and reliability of the axis model analysis results were validated using historical documents and images. The following was observed: (1) Gardens were densely distributed in the prosperous commercial areas at the northern and southern ends of Suzhou City. The more prosperous the location of a garden, the greater the influence on its popularity. (2) Gardens were concentrated in residential areas with booming businesses. (3) Large numbers of gardens were built along canals with poor traffic functions. Building gardens by diverting water into them reflected the complementary relationship between urban geographical characteristics and garden-building techniques. (4) Gardens promoted commercial development, and commerce drove the preservation and continuation of gardens. The findings revealed the complementary relationship between garden preservation and commercial development.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiayan Yun & Wenbo Yu & Hao Wang, 2021. "Exploring the Distribution of Gardens in Suzhou City in the Qianlong Period through a Space Syntax Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:6:p:659-:d:579077
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tiantian Zhang & Zefeng Lian, 2021. "Research on the Distribution and Scale Evolution of Suzhou Gardens under the Urbanization Process from the Tang to the Qing Dynasty," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Jiayan Yun & Joonhyun Kim, 2019. "Sociocultural factors of the late Ming and early Qing Chinese garden landscape, based on philosophies seen in , , and," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(2), pages 174-185, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Weiwen Li & Chi Gao, 2023. "Research on Changsha Gardens in Ming Dynasty, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, March.

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