Page 25 - JCAU-7-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Spatial syntax of temple heritage

determine the relationship between local and overall highest connection value, indicating a strong connection
aspects of the village. Based on previous research, with the village, significant spatial permeability, and
comprehensibility can be roughly categorized into a close spatial relationship. Axis 1, along with several
four levels: high (0.7 ≤ R ), average (0.4 ≤ R < 0.7), low directly connected axes, forms the core of the Baiyu
2
2
(0.2 ≤ R < 0.4), and extremely low (R² < 0.2) (Hegazi Temple settlement, extending from south to north in a
2
et al., 2022). The calculation method is as shown in distinct linear pattern. Axes 2, 3, 4, and 5 also exhibit high
Equation III. connection values, indicating strong spatial permeability
[ I ( I ’ )( I I ’ )] and close spatial connections to the village. The village
R 3 3 n n (III) road network features numerous irregular streets and
2
I ( 3 I ’ ) 2 I ( n I ’ n ) 2 alleys, resulting in complex and diverse connections with
3
poor spatial permeability. This area is less accessible to
Where I i the local integration value when the number outsiders due to the high density of residential buildings,
(3)
of steps n = 3, I’ is the average integration degree for contributing to its relative seclusion.
(3)
three steps, I is the global integration value, and I’ is the 4.1.2. Integration degree
(n)
(n)
average global integration degree.
The global integration degree signifies the extent of
For this study, Depthmap software was employed as interconnection between an axis and other axes, thereby
the key tool for spatial syntax analysis. This software is reflecting the ease of access to a specific space. A higher
renowned for its comprehensive analysis methods and global integration degree correlates with enhanced spatial
consistent performance, making it the preferred choice for accessibility within the region. Utilizing Depthmap
spatial syntax analysis. Its suitability for meso to microscale software, we generated a global integration axis map
applications makes it ideal for this particular analysis. (depicted in Figure 5). On this map, the intensity of the axis
In addition, CAD was used for creating the necessary colors corresponds to the degree of spatial integration: red,
drawings. orange, and yellow hues denote core areas with high global
4. Spatial morphology analysis based on integration. These highly integrated axes are predominantly
spatial syntax aligned with the main roads parallel to the river and key
nodes, exhibiting pronounced linear characteristics that
4.1. Baiyu temple underscore the pivotal role of the village’s public spaces in
As shown in Figures 1-3, Baiyu Temple is located on Baiyu shaping the overall spatial configuration.
Mountain, in the southwest of Baiyu County, Ganzi Tibetan As illustrated in Figure 5, the central sections of the
Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, China. It is one street and alley network within the Baiyu Temple settlement
of the three largest Ningma-style temples in the Kangzang exhibit a slight reddish tint, while the axis colors gradually
region. The temple settlement covers an extensive area of transition to blue as they radiate outward from the river.
approximately 114.53 ha. This gradient illustrates a diminishing integration degree,
most notably in the village’s peripheral areas, where the
4.1.1. Connection value integration is lowest. The Baiyu Temple settlement boasts
The average spatial connectivity value in the study area an average global integration degree of 0.58, with 70.1%
is 2.46753. As illustrated in Figure 4, Axis 1 exhibits the of the axes exceeding this value. This statistic attests to the

Figure 1. Baiyu Temple location map. Source: Drawing by the author

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2504