Space as sociocultural construct: Reinterpreting the traditional residences in Jinqu Basin, China from the perspective of space syntax

Abstract

The traditional residence with protogenetic spatial arrangement is regarded as a critical carrier of social logic of space, which makes it an ideal object for studying the relationship between the spatial form and social context. To this end, a comparative analysis is conducted using Depthmap Software. This study is based on space syntax theory between two groups of proxies of sharp differences in spatial organization in one geomorphic unit where the natural factors show little variations, while the human factors present a bifurcating distribution. Furthermore, the study clarifies the differences among genotypes of the domestic space system. Finally, combined with historical material, it proves the dual division of regional sociocultural factors as decisive forces shaping the traditional living space and its constructed manifestations.