An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space Syntax

As a model of ancient Chinese architecture, Jin Ancestral Temple’s spatial layout and functional hierarchy reflect its profound cultural connotations and historical evolution. This paper systematically studies Jin Ancestral Temple from the perspectives of spatial relationships, visibility, and acces...

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Main Authors: Chuanjin Hu, Yuanbo Qi, Chongen Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/1/85
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author Chuanjin Hu
Yuanbo Qi
Chongen Wang
author_facet Chuanjin Hu
Yuanbo Qi
Chongen Wang
author_sort Chuanjin Hu
collection DOAJ
description As a model of ancient Chinese architecture, Jin Ancestral Temple’s spatial layout and functional hierarchy reflect its profound cultural connotations and historical evolution. This paper systematically studies Jin Ancestral Temple from the perspectives of spatial relationships, visibility, and accessibility based on space syntax and visual graphics analysis methods. Through the construction and analysis of spatial relationship diagrams and topological diagrams, this study quantitatively identifies key differences in spatial depth and integration along the central axis of Jin Ancestral Temple. The sacrificial buildings, such as Uonuma Flying Beam and the Sacrificial Temple, exhibit high spatial depth and low integration, reflecting their secluded nature, which enhances the solemnity and focus of ritual activities. In contrast, landscape buildings like Jinren Terrace, with their low spatial depth and high integration, function as open spaces that facilitate movement and act as pivotal points in the visitor circulation network. Visual Graph Analysis (VGA) shows that the central axis area has the unique characteristics of a “visual center” and a “transportation hub”. The plaza on the north side of the reflecting pool forms the core area of visual connectivity, while Jinren Terrace becomes the transportation node with the highest accessibility. This design of “separation and connection” combines visual guidance with traffic flow, providing a layered spatial experience that stimulates visitors’ interest in exploration. Meanwhile, the historical development of Jin Ancestral Temple shows a clear trend of “growth”. From its early single function of worship, it gradually expanded into a complex architectural complex integrating worship, landscape, and belief, reflecting the changes in social, political, and cultural needs in different periods. The research results not only demonstrate the high degree of balance between the functionality and ornamental value of Jin Ancestral Temple’s buildings, but also reveal their unique value as cultural heritage in terms of spatial layout and aesthetic design. This paper provides a scientific basis for the protection and tourism development of Jin Ancestral Temple, and offers a new perspective on the combination of traditional architectural research and spatial analysis methods.
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spelling doaj-art-cd4af2afccbd4d6f92568e0822d34d682025-08-20T02:27:38ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-12-011518510.3390/buildings15010085An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space SyntaxChuanjin Hu0Yuanbo Qi1Chongen Wang2College of Architecture and Art, Taiyuan University of Technology, No. 79, Yingzewest Street, Taiyuan 030024, ChinaCollege of Architecture and Art, Taiyuan University of Technology, No. 79, Yingzewest Street, Taiyuan 030024, ChinaCollege of Architecture and Art, Taiyuan University of Technology, No. 79, Yingzewest Street, Taiyuan 030024, ChinaAs a model of ancient Chinese architecture, Jin Ancestral Temple’s spatial layout and functional hierarchy reflect its profound cultural connotations and historical evolution. This paper systematically studies Jin Ancestral Temple from the perspectives of spatial relationships, visibility, and accessibility based on space syntax and visual graphics analysis methods. Through the construction and analysis of spatial relationship diagrams and topological diagrams, this study quantitatively identifies key differences in spatial depth and integration along the central axis of Jin Ancestral Temple. The sacrificial buildings, such as Uonuma Flying Beam and the Sacrificial Temple, exhibit high spatial depth and low integration, reflecting their secluded nature, which enhances the solemnity and focus of ritual activities. In contrast, landscape buildings like Jinren Terrace, with their low spatial depth and high integration, function as open spaces that facilitate movement and act as pivotal points in the visitor circulation network. Visual Graph Analysis (VGA) shows that the central axis area has the unique characteristics of a “visual center” and a “transportation hub”. The plaza on the north side of the reflecting pool forms the core area of visual connectivity, while Jinren Terrace becomes the transportation node with the highest accessibility. This design of “separation and connection” combines visual guidance with traffic flow, providing a layered spatial experience that stimulates visitors’ interest in exploration. Meanwhile, the historical development of Jin Ancestral Temple shows a clear trend of “growth”. From its early single function of worship, it gradually expanded into a complex architectural complex integrating worship, landscape, and belief, reflecting the changes in social, political, and cultural needs in different periods. The research results not only demonstrate the high degree of balance between the functionality and ornamental value of Jin Ancestral Temple’s buildings, but also reveal their unique value as cultural heritage in terms of spatial layout and aesthetic design. This paper provides a scientific basis for the protection and tourism development of Jin Ancestral Temple, and offers a new perspective on the combination of traditional architectural research and spatial analysis methods.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/1/85Jin Ancestral TempleChinese ancient templespatial characteristicspace syntaxritual space
spellingShingle Chuanjin Hu
Yuanbo Qi
Chongen Wang
An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space Syntax
Buildings
Jin Ancestral Temple
Chinese ancient temple
spatial characteristic
space syntax
ritual space
title An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space Syntax
title_full An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space Syntax
title_fullStr An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space Syntax
title_full_unstemmed An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space Syntax
title_short An Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics of Jin Ancestral Temple Based on Space Syntax
title_sort analysis of the spatial characteristics of jin ancestral temple based on space syntax
topic Jin Ancestral Temple
Chinese ancient temple
spatial characteristic
space syntax
ritual space
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/1/85
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