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Spatial Morphological Characteristics of Ethnic Villages in the Dadu River Basin, a Sino-Tibetan Area of Sichuan, China

Author

Listed:
  • Hai Xiao

    (College of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611800, China)

  • Congli Xue

    (College of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611800, China)

  • Jiahao Yu

    (College of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611800, China)

  • Chuwei Yu

    (College of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611800, China)

  • Guoqiang Peng

    (School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China)

Abstract

Analysis of spatial patterns and driving factors of different ethnic villages under regional integration is important for the conservation and development of ethnic villages. This article takes seven multi-ethnic villages in the Dadu River Basin of Ganzi Prefecture as an example; we employ a quantitative model of spatial syntax based on the theory of figure–ground relationship to link the tangible and intangible spaces. The results reveal the logical context and formation mechanism among the overall layout, residential architecture, and public space of the villages. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) The site of different ethnic villages reflects commonality. (2) The spatial configurations of the villages are significantly influenced by the surrounding natural environment, with significant differences. Cluster-concentrated villages exhibit the smallest expansion trend, rich spatial levels, and strong ethnic territoriality; strip-intensive villages have the largest scale and the strongest permeability; and radiation-dispersion villages have variable expansion directions and architectural relationships among residents. (3) Both of the participants’ selection behaviors and residential spaces constitute the internal structure for the ethnic culture, which is driven by the humanistic spirit and force of social order, making the spatial morphology a diversified and multi-layered characteristic. (4) The rural space has gradually changed from a single residential unit to a complex unit with multiple functions. The findings extend the scope of research to ethnic villages in watersheds and provide a theoretical and practical basis for the development of other similar rural villages.

Suggested Citation

  • Hai Xiao & Congli Xue & Jiahao Yu & Chuwei Yu & Guoqiang Peng, 2023. "Spatial Morphological Characteristics of Ethnic Villages in the Dadu River Basin, a Sino-Tibetan Area of Sichuan, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:9:p:1662-:d:1224990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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