Exploring the Distribution of Gardens in Suzhou City in the Qianlong Period through a Space Syntax Approach

Jiayan Yun, Wenbo Yu and Hao Wang
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Jiayan Yun: College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Rd., Nanjing 210037, China
Wenbo Yu: College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Rd., Nanjing 210037, China
Hao Wang: College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Rd., Nanjing 210037, China

Land, 2021, vol. 10, issue 6, 1-18

Abstract: This study explored the spatial distribution of Suzhou gardens in the Qianlong period (AD 1736–1796) through an innovative method combining spatial syntax and historical textual analysis. Through a spatial syntax approach, a street axis model analysis suggested that the greater the degree of integration and prosperity of a street, the denser the distribution of gardens surrounding it. A canal axis model analysis indicated that more gardens were built around canals that were less integrated and had less traffic. The accuracy and reliability of the axis model analysis results were validated using historical documents and images. The following was observed: (1) Gardens were densely distributed in the prosperous commercial areas at the northern and southern ends of Suzhou City. The more prosperous the location of a garden, the greater the influence on its popularity. (2) Gardens were concentrated in residential areas with booming businesses. (3) Large numbers of gardens were built along canals with poor traffic functions. Building gardens by diverting water into them reflected the complementary relationship between urban geographical characteristics and garden-building techniques. (4) Gardens promoted commercial development, and commerce drove the preservation and continuation of gardens. The findings revealed the complementary relationship between garden preservation and commercial development.

Keywords: Suzhou city; Qianlong period; classical gardens; garden distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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