Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) Model

As the cradle of Jiangnan culture, Suzhou is home to a dense concentration of historical architectural heritage that is currently facing existential threats from rapid urbanization. This study aims to develop a spatial heritage corridor network for conservation and sustainable utilization. Using ker...

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Main Authors: Yao Wu, Yonglan Wu, Mingrui Miao, Muxian Wang, Xiaobin Li, Antonio Candeias
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2605
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author Yao Wu
Yonglan Wu
Mingrui Miao
Muxian Wang
Xiaobin Li
Antonio Candeias
author_facet Yao Wu
Yonglan Wu
Mingrui Miao
Muxian Wang
Xiaobin Li
Antonio Candeias
author_sort Yao Wu
collection DOAJ
description As the cradle of Jiangnan culture, Suzhou is home to a dense concentration of historical architectural heritage that is currently facing existential threats from rapid urbanization. This study aims to develop a spatial heritage corridor network for conservation and sustainable utilization. Using kernel density estimation, this study identifies 15 kernel density groups, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to pinpoint clusters of historical architectural heritage and assess the involved resistance factors. Current Effective Conductance (CEC) theory is further applied to model spatial flow relationships among heritage nodes, leading to the delineation of 27 heritage corridors and revealing a spatial structure characterized by one primary core, one secondary core, and multiple peripheral zones. Based on 15 source points, six cultural relics-themed routes are proposed—three land-based and three waterfront routes—connecting historical sites, towns, and ecological areas. The study further recommends a resource management strategy centered on departmental collaboration, digital integration, and community co-governance. By integrating historical architectural types, settlement forms, and ecological patterns, the research builds a multi-scale narrative and experience system that addresses fragmentation while improving coordination and sustainability. This framework delivers practical advice on heritage conservation and cultural tourism development in Suzhou and the broader Jiangnan region.
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spelling doaj-art-d3c2a1f2343640f2a7c2510a5eebdfde2025-08-20T03:35:58ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-07-011515260510.3390/buildings15152605Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) ModelYao Wu0Yonglan Wu1Mingrui Miao2Muxian Wang3Xiaobin Li4Antonio Candeias5Gold Mantis School of Architecture, SooChow University, RenAi Road, Suzhou 215134, ChinaGold Mantis School of Architecture, SooChow University, RenAi Road, Suzhou 215134, ChinaGold Mantis School of Architecture, SooChow University, RenAi Road, Suzhou 215134, ChinaGold Mantis School of Architecture, SooChow University, RenAi Road, Suzhou 215134, ChinaSchool of Design, Jiangnan University, Lihudadao, Wuxi 214122, ChinaDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Évora, Largo dos Colegiais, 7000-803 Évora, PortugalAs the cradle of Jiangnan culture, Suzhou is home to a dense concentration of historical architectural heritage that is currently facing existential threats from rapid urbanization. This study aims to develop a spatial heritage corridor network for conservation and sustainable utilization. Using kernel density estimation, this study identifies 15 kernel density groups, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to pinpoint clusters of historical architectural heritage and assess the involved resistance factors. Current Effective Conductance (CEC) theory is further applied to model spatial flow relationships among heritage nodes, leading to the delineation of 27 heritage corridors and revealing a spatial structure characterized by one primary core, one secondary core, and multiple peripheral zones. Based on 15 source points, six cultural relics-themed routes are proposed—three land-based and three waterfront routes—connecting historical sites, towns, and ecological areas. The study further recommends a resource management strategy centered on departmental collaboration, digital integration, and community co-governance. By integrating historical architectural types, settlement forms, and ecological patterns, the research builds a multi-scale narrative and experience system that addresses fragmentation while improving coordination and sustainability. This framework delivers practical advice on heritage conservation and cultural tourism development in Suzhou and the broader Jiangnan region.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2605Suzhou historical architectureheritage corridorscultural relics-themed trails
spellingShingle Yao Wu
Yonglan Wu
Mingrui Miao
Muxian Wang
Xiaobin Li
Antonio Candeias
Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) Model
Buildings
Suzhou historical architecture
heritage corridors
cultural relics-themed trails
title Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) Model
title_full Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) Model
title_fullStr Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) Model
title_full_unstemmed Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) Model
title_short Research on Construction of Suzhou’s Historical Architectural Heritage Corridors and Cultural Relics-Themed Trails Based on Current Effective Conductance (CEC) Model
title_sort research on construction of suzhou s historical architectural heritage corridors and cultural relics themed trails based on current effective conductance cec model
topic Suzhou historical architecture
heritage corridors
cultural relics-themed trails
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2605
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