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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Spatial syntax of temple heritage

Figure 13. Dongga temple location map. Source: Drawing by the author

just occur in space – they actively shape spatial patterns.
By conceptualizing space this way, we can create more
human-centered spatial structures and gain a deeper
understanding of the complex relationships between
space and society (Chen et al., 2009). Most public service
facilities within the settlement are concentrated in areas of
high integration. As settlements evolve, the distribution
of these public facilities in the settlement’s integrated
core often surpasses that of temple buildings, enhancing
accessibility and their connection to daily village life.
The settlement is structured around this integrated core,
which extends outward, evolving into a continuous and
Figure 14. Dongga settlement satellite image. Source: Big Map (2023) multifaceted space. Therefore, the integrated core portion
of the settlement represents the area with the highest
centrality in terms of spatial syntax (Chen et al., 2018).
However, some public buildings are situated in areas
with lower overall integration within the settlement, such
as the Wanxiao of the Baiyu Temple settlement. These more
secluded areas have reduced accessibility. Low-integration
areas are primarily the residential quarters of villagers and,
due to limited accessibility, are generally more peaceful.
This gradual transition from high to low integration
reflects the spatial evolution of settlement from public
to private realms and from outward- to inward-oriented
spaces. This finding is consistent with previous studies on
spatial syntax (Chen et al., 2018) and is closely related to
Figure 15. Dongga settlement. Source: The Internet (https://baike.baidu.
com/item/%E4%B8%9C%E5%98%8E%E5%AF%BA/3802147; 2023) the long-standing practices of the Tibetan people, who
have built houses and villages on mountains for centuries
stronger the connectivity between their spatial forms and to adapt to the natural environment.
the overall integrity of the settlement. These findings align Spatial syntax theory suggests that areas with high
with previous research results (Chen et al., 2018). integration are more frequently used and populated,
The key to understanding space in spatial syntax making them easier for individuals to remember and form
lies in the structural relationships within space and the spatial imagery (Xu, 2015). However, there exists a deviation
relationship between space and society (Chen, 2011). between cognitive imagery and the integration degree
Space is not merely the inherent background of human of certain spatial nodes. For instance, the Baiyu Temple
activities; it is an intrinsic attribute of those activities. settlement, despite having a low connection value and
Actions such as encountering, interacting, gathering, integration degree around the temple, serves as a landmark
avoiding, negotiating, teaching, living, and dining do not within the settlement due to its historical significance. As

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 9 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2504