Analysis on the “History–Space” Inter-Construction Mechanism of Traditional Villages Based on Multi-Historical Elements: A Case Study of Nankou Town, Northwest Beijing

Yi You, Hongjie Wu and Lingyu Xu ()
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Yi You: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Hongjie Wu: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Lingyu Xu: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: Traditional villages are widely recognized as vast cultural treasure troves, characterized by diverse historical elements and distinctive spatial forms. Within this context, historical factors exert varying degrees of influence on spatial configurations, and each type of space preserves a distinct facet of historical memory. Taking Nankou Village in Beijing as a case study, this paper selects three distinct periods as entry points to explore how historical elements affect the spatial morphology of villages through Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression analysis and standard deviation ellipse methods. Under the theories of Halbwachs and Nora, this research analyzes the role of village spaces in the bearing and reshaping of historical memory. It further employs qualitative materials to inversely verify the quantitative results, thereby cross-validating the findings through both quantitative and qualitative perspectives in exploring the interactions between “historical elements” and “spatial morphology”. This integrated approach culminates in the innovative proposal of a “history–space” inter-construction mechanism. The findings reveal that different types of historical elements have significant influences on guiding and reshaping spatial features, exhibiting strong spatial heterogeneity. When multiple historical elements are coupled, the evolution of village morphology shows distinct phases, directions, and expansive characteristics. As these spaces undergo continuous practice, they drive the reconstruction of memory and reinterpretation of historical significance. Ultimately, Nankou Village has developed a unique “history–space” inter-construction mechanism, which uncovers the inherent logic of their ongoing evolution. This mechanism further holds theoretical extrapolative value for other historically and culturally significant villages. This study underscores the importance of integrating research and preservation of intangible cultural elements and physical spaces, providing critical insights into understanding spatial evolution patterns of traditional villages and their influencing factors.

Keywords: history-space inter-construction; traditional villages; historical elements; village spatial morphology; spatial evolution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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