Page 97 - JCAU-7-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Computational urbanism on Dashilar

Figure 11. Investigating the spatial manifestation of diverse properties and programs in monomers across various scales and their processes of aggregation
and evolution. Source: Drawing by the authors
automata as a uniform grid is insufficient for effective to its surroundings (Baek & Zhang, 2021). Unlike the static,
urban design; therefore, additional regulatory elements singularly residential spatial organization of traditional
tailored to the unique characteristics of different sites are courtyard houses, this urban model features a sensitive and
necessary. In Dashilar, spaces are initially divided into highly adaptable program distribution. Subtle changes in
residential, commercial, and public spaces, as well as environmental or social factors prompt shifts in program
various road types. These areas are further subdivided into distribution, reconstructing new urban formations and
grids of varying sizes based on differing building scales adapting to changes in social organization (Maki, 2009).
and densities, with building density determined by specific This dynamic process fosters vibrant urban spaces.
regulations (Zhang et al., 2023). 3.2. Mixed blocks
At the micro level, lifestyle patterns directly influence We envision a city model in which the distribution of
spatial scales. Residential areas are represented as larger programs is neither clearly defined nor static; rather, it
grids, with high- and low-density areas ranging from embodies a dynamic pattern that evolves in response to
6 m × 6 m to 3 m × 3 m. In contrast, commercial areas various influencing factors. This model maintains a blend of
feature denser grids, primarily ranging from 4 m × 4 m to block activities and content in constant flux, spontaneously
2 m × 2 m. The spatial relationships, fine-tuned by these generating spaces with mixed programs, diverse spatial
regulations, closely mimic urban conditions. Commercial characteristics, and multiple modes of activity across
spaces exhibit greater design flexibility (Figure 12). underground areas, ground-level spaces, and high-rise
In this urban model, the underlying logic begins with buildings. For this study, we selected a typical neighborhood
the smallest residential unit and evolves through cell growth as the research site to explore innovative mixed-use models.
and aggregation. The hutong exemplifies a responsive The evolution of hutong blocks is influenced by
urban spatial organization model that adapts dynamically interplay of factors, including activities, demographics,

Volume 7 Issue 2 (2025) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4056