Page 100 - JCAU-7-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Computational urbanism on Dashilar

improving the neighborhood’s overall living conditions hutong layout and a new grid system. No longer singular or
and environment. linear, the hutongs evolve into a multidimensional, circular
To address this issue, we propose a novel approach based pattern. In practice, these “nodes” can take various forms,
on infrastructure-focused “acupuncture and moxibustion” such as shared spaces, neighborhood squares, gardens, or
updates aimed at increasing public awareness and fostering even new government facilities. As nodes, they influence
sustainable urban development. Our entry point focuses the road network, green spaces, and foundational urban
on public toilets in the hutongs, which hold a unique status maps of the hutong blocks. The relationship between
within the area. The spacing, density, and coverage of these these “nodes” and the surrounding urban spaces can be
facilities directly affect residents’ daily convenience. As a quantitatively defined using simulations, based on specific
critical piece of infrastructure, they also serve as a means logical relationships, fostering the growth of new “nodes”
to mediate social relationships (Figure 17). within traditional neighborhoods (Pasquero & Poletto,
2012). This process enriches the diversity and complexity
By positioning public toilets as control points, we of urban evolution (Figure 18).
influence the grid of hutongs and roads through adjustments
in distance, impact range, height, and direction. This In parallel, the spatial and social structure of traditional
approach bridges the interface between the traditional courtyard houses in the Dashilar area has gradually
transformed, transitioning from single-family units
to mixed-family arrangements. This transformation
necessitates the development of public service facilities and
infrastructure to support evolving social dynamics. On a
broader urban scale, this prototype examines the potential
future development of hutong blocks. As the density
of public toilets increases, they could evolve into new,
comprehensive architectural settlements, accommodating
a range of functions such as office, residential, and
commercial spaces. The enclosed squares preserve
the tradition of shared spaces while simultaneously
transforming into access points for underground areas. The
multidimensional interplay of various courtyards fosters
Figure 16. Along the main streets, driven by commercial and
office formats, the size and height of the blocks gradually increase. the emergence of innovative office and living models within
Source: Drawing by the authors the evolving fabric, preserving traditional self-sufficient

Figure 17. The distribution of public toilets and road grids in the Qianmen Dashilar area. Notes: Red dots: Courtyard house units; Blue dots: Major shops;
Green dots: Small shops; Dark brown dots: Public toilets. Source: Drawing by the authors

Volume 7 Issue 2 (2025) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4056