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Creating an endless visual space: An Isovist analysis of a small traditional Chinese garden

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  • Huishu Chen
  • Yangluxi Li
  • Li Yang

Abstract

Traditional Chinese private gardens, as a unique spatial typology, create a maze-like quality through the arrangement of sightlines and pathways, offering occupants a sense of perpetual circulation and boundless time. The rich experiential nature cultivated within these confined spaces, alongside the ecological worldview of “harmony between heaven and humanity,†holds significant relevance for urban landscape design and the sustainable development of urban environments. While there is ample research literature on various aspects of garden spaces, studies exploring how private gardens generate visually infinite and cyclic spatial experiences within limited areas often remain confined to intuitive analysis, lacking concrete and rational explanations. This study employs the method of Isovist Analysis to test the validity of the spatial consciousness of “Limitless vision, Endless recurrence†within the spatial layout and tour organization of traditional private gardens, using the analysis of Isovists at eight scenic spots within the Xiaocanglang Water Courtyard, as well as an examination of visual-spatial changes along both primary and secondary pathways in different tour directions. It is hoped that this research method will serve as a tool for urban designers and landscape architects to assess spatial-visual characteristics and experiences during the design phase.

Suggested Citation

  • Huishu Chen & Yangluxi Li & Li Yang, 2025. "Creating an endless visual space: An Isovist analysis of a small traditional Chinese garden," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 52(6), pages 1424-1443, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:52:y:2025:i:6:p:1424-1443
    DOI: 10.1177/23998083241298739
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li Guo & Jiao Xu & Jing Li & Zhanyuan Zhu, 2023. "Digital Preservation of Du Fu Thatched Cottage Memorial Garden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Huishu Chen & Li Yang, 2023. "Analysis of Narrative Space in the Chinese Classical Garden Based on Narratology and Space Syntax—Taking the Humble Administrator’s Garden as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.
    3. Yunda Wang & Qiguan Shu & Ming Chen & Xudounan Chen & Shiro Takeda & Junhua Zhang, 2022. "Selection and Application of Quantitative Indicators of Paths Based on Graph Theory: A Case Study of Traditional Private and Antique Gardens in Beijing," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-21, December.
    4. Huishu Chen & Li Yang, 2023. "Spatio-Temporal Experience of Tour Routes in the Humble Administrator’s Garden Based on Isovist Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-24, August.
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