Search Results (16)

As a unique cultural heritage of Chinese ethnic minorities, Dong architecture provides rich historical and cultural information. Rapid and accurate extraction of ethnic building information from remote sensing images in complex terrain and high-density settlement environments is highly important for the protection of architectural heritage and the management of rural space. Huanggang Dong Village in Liping County, Guizhou Province, China, is taken as a case study. This paper develops a multifeature fusion machine learning framework for the automatic recognition of Dong ethnic architecture based on centimeter-level visible images captured by UAV. First, the vegetation index, HSI color features and texture features based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix are extracted from the UAV visible light orthophoto image. Through the random forest feature importance ranking and correlation test, six key features, namely, the VDVI, HSI-S, HSI-I, mean, variance and contrast, are selected to construct a multifeature space. This step constitutes the feature construction stage of the proposed methodology and provides the basis for subsequent classification. Second, on the basis of a support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), classification models are constructed. The effects of different feature combinations and different algorithms on classification accuracy are systematically compared, and the results are evaluated in terms of overall accuracy (OA), the kappa coefficient, user accuracy (UA) and producer accuracy (PA). This second part highlights the classification phase of the methodology, which tests the feature space using different algorithms and evaluates the performance of the models. The experimental data fully show that under the condition of a single feature, the SVM model dominated by texture features performs best, with an OA of 85.33% and a kappa of 0.799; under the condition of multifeature fusion, the RF algorithm has a stronger ability to integrate multisource features. The accuracy of building category recognition based on the total feature and dimensionality reduction feature space is particularly prominent. The total feature and overall accuracy reach 89.00%, and the kappa coefficient is 0.850. The UA and PA reached 89.66% and 94.55%, respectively. Through in-depth comparative analysis, the vegetation index–color–texture multifeature fusion and machine learning classification framework based on UAV visible light images can achieve high-precision extraction of Dong architecture without relying on high-cost sensors. It can effectively alleviate the confusion between water bodies and shadows and between dark roofs and vegetation and effectively separate traditional Dong architecture from roads, vegetation and other elements. It provides a low-cost and feasible way for digital archiving, dynamic monitoring and protection management of the traditional village architectural heritage of ethnic minorities. Full article

As a form of living cultural heritage, local residential landscapes manifest the essence of long-term, resilient human–land interactions. The Wuling Corridor, a vital ethnic and cultural passage connecting the Central Plains with Southwest China in Chinese history, serves as a crucial region for the mixed residence and cultural exchange of Tujia, Miao, Dong, Han, and other ethnic groups. Within this region, Ganlan stands as both the most representative vernacular architectural heritage and a residential form that is still extensively used, constituting a continuous and unique residential landscape. The spatial distribution patterns of Ganlan are the physical witness of the history of ethnic groups adapting to the complex topographic and cultural conditions. Current research focuses on the case description of single Ganlan forms, failing to systematically investigate the spatial formation mechanisms of Ganlan as a residential landscape from a geographical continuum perspective. Therefore, this study establishes a geographical database encompassing 9425 Ganlan samples from the Wuling Corridor. It integrates the geographic information system (GIS) with clustering algorithms to systematically identify the distribution patterns of Ganlan within specific geographic–cultural units and their coupling relationships with natural environments. It conducts quantitative analysis on the key driving factors concerning the emergence and evolution of Ganlan in the study area; the findings reveal the following: (1) Ganlan buildings exhibit a spatially aggregated distribution pattern along major water systems, demonstrating characteristics of multi-ethnic sharing and spatial interweaving. (2) Their distribution is constrained by natural geographical factors and influenced by the transmission pathways of construction techniques during ancient ethnic migrations to the southwest China. (3) Within multi-ethnic settlement structures, inter-ethnic cultural interactions (particularly with Central Plains culture) serve as a key driving force for the typological evolution of Ganlan. (4) The evolutionary lineage of “full-Ganlan,” “semi-Ganlan,” and “courtyard-style Ganlan” systematically demonstrates the dynamic adaptive capacity of local residential systems. Additionally, by integrating massive Ganlan heritage data with multiple spatial analysis methods, the study serves as a typical case study illuminating the adaptive strategies and resilience mechanisms of Ganlan as a local residential landscape formed in response to the environmental conditions and social changes. Also, it provides a scientific basis for the holistic conservation of architectural heritages shared by multiple ethnic groups and the integrated development of local cultural tourism industries. Full article

Rapid socio-spatial change in China’s traditional villages threatens living heritage and weakens locally grounded identity. This paper theorizes place identity as a dynamic, embodied and performative ecology and examines it in Dali Dong Village across four dimensions, emotional attachment, symbolic meaning, continuity and behavioural commitment, using a triangulated qualitative design that integrates interviews, spatial observation and visual ethnography. Findings show that identity is enacted around ritual architectures and everyday settings, particularly the Drum Tower, Flower Bridge, and Sa altar. Emotional attachment and symbolic meaning are expressed consistently across sources, whereas continuity and behavioural commitment are uneven, shaped by ritual fatigue (compressed rehearsal windows), symbolic commodification under tourism, and selective continuity in intergenerational transmission. These mechanisms identify where the identity fabric is most fragile and where intervention leverage lies. Conceptually, the study relocates place identity from cognition-centred, urban models to ritualized rural lifeworlds. Practically, it offers a portable framework for community-anchored stewardship that can be adapted to similar settlements and aligned with policy aims for safeguarding living heritage. Full article

The architectural settlements of the Dong people are the core representatives of China’s Dong culture. The unique architectural forms created by the Dong people, such as stilted houses, drum towers, and wind-and-rain bridges, demonstrate the wisdom of the Dong people in adapting to mountainous environments and their exquisite construction techniques. However, with the acceleration of urbanization and the impact of tourism development, Dong village architecture is facing multiple challenges, including settlement hollowing-out, the discontinuity of traditional craftsmanship, and the destruction of authenticity. This study proposes a series of protection and restoration strategies by integrating relevant domestic and international theories and practical experiences based on the formal characteristics, cultural value, and current issues of Dong village settlement architecture. It emphasizes the principle of holistic protection, advocates for the combination of authentic restoration and adaptive renewal, and aims to achieve the inheritance of cultural heritage through means such as digital technology, community participation mechanisms, and cross-regional collaborative protection. Furthermore, this study explores the path toward balancing traditional architecture with modern needs, intending to provide theoretical support and a practical reference for the sustainable protection of Dong village settlement architecture and the continuation of cultural memory. Full article

This study presents a cross-cultural comparison of two fortified residences—Palazzo Farnese in Italy and Dong’s Fortified Compound in China—through a triadic analytical framework encompassing architectural form, symbolic ornamentation, and public perception. By combining field observation, iconographic interpretation, and digital ethnography, the research investigates how heritage meaning is constructed, encoded, and reinterpreted across distinct sociocultural contexts. Empirical materials include architectural documentation, decorative analysis, and a curated dataset of 4947 user-generated images and 1467 textual comments collected from Chinese and international platforms between 2020 and 2024. Methods such as CLIP-based visual clustering and BERTopic-enabled sentiment modelling were applied to extract patterns of perception and symbolic emphasis. The findings reveal contrasting representational logics: Palazzo Farnese encodes dynastic authority and Renaissance cosmology through geometric order and immersive frescoes, while Dong’s Compound conveys Confucian ethics and frontier identity via nested courtyards and traditional ornamentation. Digital responses diverge accordingly: international users highlight formal aesthetics and photogenic elements; Chinese users engage with symbolic motifs, family memory, and ritual significance. This study illustrates how historically fortified residences are reinterpreted through culturally specific digital practices, offering an interdisciplinary approach that bridges architectural history, symbolic analysis, and digital heritage studies. Full article

In the context of the growing emphasis on sustainable development and building safety performance, wooden architecture will attract increasing attention due to its low-carbon characteristics and excellent seismic resistance. In this study, the bibliometric software Citespace is used for data visualization analysis based on the literature related to Chinese wooden architecture in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Web of Science (WOS) databases, aiming to construct an analytical framework that integrates quantitative visualization and qualitative thematic interpretation which could reveal the current status, hotspots, and frontier trends of research in this field. The results show the following: Research on Chinese wooden architecture has shown a steady growth trend, indicating that it has received attention from an increasing number of scholars. Researchers and institutions are mainly concentrated in higher learning and research institutions in economically developed regions. Research hotspots cover subjects such as seismic performance, mortise–tenon structures, imitation wood structures, Dong architecture, Liang Sicheng, and the Society for the Study of Chinese Architecture. The research process of Chinese wooden architecture can be divided into three stages: the macro stage, the specific deepening stage, and the inheritance application and interdisciplinary integration stage. In the future, the focus will be on interdisciplinary research on wooden architecture from ethnic minority cultures and traditional dwellings. Full article

In architectural heritage conservation, fragmented data practices and heterogeneous formats hinder knowledge extraction, limiting the translation of raw data into actionable conservation insights. This study proposes a knowledge-centric framework integrating smart data methodologies to bridge this gap. The framework synergizes Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), semantic knowledge graphs, and knowledge bases, prioritizing three interconnected dimensions: geometric digitization through 3D laser scanning and parametric HBIM reconstruction, semantic enrichment of historical texts via NLP and rule-based entity extraction, and knowledge graph-driven discovery of spatiotemporal patterns using Neo4j and ontology mapping. Validated through dual case studies—the Historical Educational Sites in South China (humanistic narratives) and the Dong ethnic drum towers (structural logic)—the framework demonstrates its capacity to automate knowledge generation, converting 20.5 GB of multi-source data into 2652 RDF triples that interconnect 1701 nodes across HBIM models and archival records. By enabling real-time visualization of semantic relationships (e.g., educator networks, mortise-and-tenon typologies) through graph queries, the system enhances interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, the proposed smart data framework facilitated the generation of domain-specific knowledge through systematic data valorization, yielding actionable insights for architectural conservation practice. This research redefines conservation as a knowledge-to-action paradigm, where smart data methodologies unify tangible and intangible heritage values, fostering data-driven stewardship across cultural, historical, and technical domains. Full article

This paper presents a comparative study of the spatial characteristics of academies in China and Korea, focusing on BaiLuDong Academy in China and Tosan Academy in Korea. It examines the cultural philosophies and practical differences in the spatial expression of Confucianism between the two countries. BaiLuDong Academy embodies the Confucian ideals of simplicity and solemnity through its modest architectural style and rigorous spatial organization. The integration of mountain–water siting with enclosed courtyard arrangements reflects the Confucian scholar’s pursuit of self-cultivation and social order. In contrast, Tosan Academy, while grounded in Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucian teachings, incorporates local architectural traditions to form a more open and flexible spatial configuration. Its emphasis on harmony with the natural environment represents a localized reinterpretation of Confucian values. As a spatial embodiment of ideology, the academy serves as a medium through which Confucian values are materialized in architectural form. The spatial characteristics of Chinese and Korean academies reveal the adaptability and evolution of Confucian thought across different cultural contexts. Full article

This study aimed to identify the raw materials and characteristics of lime mortar samples recovered from three Joseon dynasty architectural heritage sites: the Munsusanseong Fortress in Gimpo, Namhansanseong Fortress, and Godeung-dong lime-barrier tomb in Seongnam. To achieve this, comprehensive analyses were conducted, including physical property assessments (specific gravity, water absorption, apparent porosity, hydrochloric acid aggregate test, and particle size distribution), material characterization using optical microscopy and SEM-EDS, as well as XRD, WD-XRF, and TGA analyses. The results revealed that the lime mortars from all three sites exhibit the characteristics of Sammulhoe, a traditional Joseon dynasty mixture of lime, sand, and clay minerals. While the binders primarily consisted of air-setting lime, minor hydraulic properties were observed in the samples from the Namhansanseong Fortress and the Godeung-dong lime-barrier tomb, possibly due to the inclusion of dolomite. Additionally, the presence of brick and tile particles (Waseol) in some samples corroborate historical records of lime mortar production techniques during the Joseon dynasty. This study provides scientific insights into the raw materials and characteristics of the Joseon dynasty lime mortar, contributing to a deeper understanding of traditional construction materials and techniques. Full article

This study tracks changes in commercial buildings in Yeonnam-dong that have undergone commercial transformation, examining these shifts within the context of urban organization and their relationships with economic and socio-cultural flows. It also analyzes the architectural elements that reflect the placeness characteristics of an area. On-site surveys were conducted to assess the continuity and discontinuity in the characteristics of 62 renovated and 40 newly constructed buildings. Additionally, shifts in social perceptions regarding physical changes were explored through an analysis of commercial districts and interviews with visitors, store owners, and architects. Yeonnam-dong has a distinct physical environment, as well as economic, social, and cultural characteristics that distinguish it from mainstream areas, such as large apartment complexes and typical commercial zones. The area, with its winding alleyways from the pre-modern period and low-rise housing—marginalized from large-scale development—evoked nostalgia and created a distinctive sense of authenticity or placeness, which was further enhanced by the presence of exotic restaurants, cafés, ateliers, and creative activities of early gentrifiers. However, rapid commercialization has led to the displacement of these early gentrifiers, an influx of new investments and construction, and shifts in commercial flows. Consequently, the area’s authenticity has become diluted, and visitors’ perceptions of it have changed. Despite this, architectural elements observed in renovated buildings are preserved and incorporated into newly constructed ones. Features such as semi-basements, exterior straight stairs, and brick façades continue to reflect the locality. Detached and multi-household homes from the 1960s to the 1990s have evolved into a new hybrid commercial–residential form designed for commercial purposes. This is a response to small plot sizes in Korean residential areas and reflects the current economic and cultural demands of commercial gentrification. The urban and architectural characteristics of this area are not only a unique physical environment but also hold socio-cultural significance as ordinary heritage. Therefore, this study proposes institutional measures to preserve urban and architectural continuity while controlling the ongoing commercialization. Full article

This study examines the digital translation of traditional wooden architectural construction techniques through the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) methods. The development of a Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) model for these techniques necessitates interdisciplinary integration. Critical steps involve the intelligent incorporation of wooden architectural knowledge into parametric models and the creation of advanced modeling methods capable of translating such models. These aspects are essential for bridging existing gaps and enhancing HBIM applications. By using the Dong drum tower as a case study, this paper presents a parametric model for stilt-style wooden structures, emphasizing the generation rules of construction techniques and the extraction and translation of parameters. A smart automated modeling method was developed and programmed collaboratively using Grasshopper (version 1.0.0007) and Python (version 2.7.12.0). This method facilitates the generation of diverse, customizable drum tower models within 60 s and has successfully created the tallest drum tower model in Guangxi based on actual measurements, validating the method’s reliability and effectiveness. The findings of this study offer digital, automated, and intelligent support for the preservation and transmission of traditional architectural techniques. Full article

This study suggests a pioneering conservation framework that significantly enhances the preservation, renovation, and restoration of heritage architecture through the integration of contemporary digital technologies. Focusing on the endangered drum towers of the Dong ethnic group in Southwestern China, the research employs a meticulous data collection process that combines manual measurements with precise 2D imaging and oblique unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photography, enabling comprehensive documentation of tower interiors and exteriors. Collaboration with local experts in drum tower construction not only enriches the data gathered but also provides profound insights into the architectural nuances of these structures. An accurate building information modeling (BIM) simulation illuminates the internal engineering details, deepening the understanding of their complex design. Furthermore, UAV-obtained point cloud data facilitate a 3D reconstruction of the tower’s exterior. This innovative approach to heritage preservation not only advances the documentation and comprehension of heritage structures but also presents a scalable, replicable model for cultural conservation globally, paving the way for future research in the field. Full article

Textile materials are an essential part of contemporary architecture, the environment, and urban spaces due to their unique appearance and qualities, as it is now possible to achieve both a structural function and an aesthetic quality with textiles. As colour is one of the most important characteristics of textile material, it is also important to understand the relationships between colour and textile material with different surface qualities. In order to explain the complexity of different textile materials and the appearance of colours, which consequently affects the colour properties, this paper analyses this phenomenon. The presented research analyses the dependence of the reproduction quality and colour appearance on fabrics of different construction and structural characteristics, i.e., the texture of the textile material, printed using digital inkjet technology. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of various structural features of textiles on the colour appearance of digitally printed textile substrates, to monitor the quality of colour reproduction, and to analyse the behaviour of a reactive dye droplet on textile substrates. Printing of a particular shape was performed using a Dimatix Materials Printer DMP-2831 piezoelectric inkjet device (provided by the J. Stefan Institute, Ljubjana, Slovenia; manufactured by Fujifilm Dimatix Inc., 2230 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, USA). The behaviour of the ink delivered by the needle of the tensiometer DSA20E, Kruess GmbH (provided by the J. Stefan Institute, Ljubjana, Slovenia; manufactured by Kruess Scientific Instruments (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Futong Dong Dajie 10 Baoneng Center, Tower B, Room 605 Chaoyang District, Beijing 100102, China), on the surface of the fabric was analysed. The samples were digitally printed on a Mimaki digital printer Tx2-1600 (provided by University of Ljubljana Faculty of Natural Science and Engineering, Slovenia EU; manufactured by Mimaki, 2182-3 Shigeno-Otsu, Tomi-city, Nagano, Japan), with reactive dyes, which were first pretreated in a bath with a specific solution. The statistical method of image analysis and microscopic imaging were used to obtain the characteristics of the porosity, texture, and roughness parameters. All results are presented from colouristic analysis based on the objectification of colour and colour differences. The objective values of the parameters of lightness (L*), chroma (C*), and hue (h°) show the significant influence of the structure and properties of the substrate on colour reproduction, and significant changes were obtained, which were confirmed by the evaluation of the colour differences. The results confirm the influence of the substrate structure on colour properties. Furthermore, it is essential to consider this complexity in the context of environmental colour design when utilising (coloured) textile installations/materials in architecture and urban spaces, i.e., in the environment. Full article

The Dong wind and rain bridges in western Hunan are among the most extraordinary historical buildings that express the unique culture of the Dong people, and are an unparalleled display of history, culture, aesthetics and architectural skills, but they are exposed to various disasters. However, fire poses a serious challenge to historical wind and rain bridges. This study investigated the fire risk of wind and rain bridges in terms of building materials, structural forms, fire habits, and fire loads. Fire dynamics simulator software and SketchUp modeling software were used to visualize and numerically simulate fire conditions. The survey results indicated that the fire load of the Huilong bridge was 1,794,561 MJ. After a fire, the central pavilion underwent a flashover at 200 s. By 600 s, the maximum temperature of the bridge was 1200 °C, and the entire bridge was in flashover condition. Furthermore, targeted fire-mitigation strategies were proposed according to the architectural characteristics and cultural environment of the wind and rain bridges in terms of the following four components: automatic fire-extinguishing equipment, fireproof coatings, suspended ceiling, and skylights. The effectiveness of the fire-resistance performance of the strategies was also evaluated. The fireproof coating measures were the most effective, and the bridge sections delayed reaching the flashover state by 40–80 s. The reported results can help reduce the fire-related risks of wind and rain bridges and protect our historical heritage more effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, this study can serve as a reference for other historic wooden structures to develop appropriate mitigation strategies. Full article

This study aimed to reveal changes in urban forms by analyzing the modern and contemporary development history of Gangneung City, one of the major cities in the Yeongdong county of Gangwon-do, South Korea; it has been a central city in the Yeongdong area since the Japanese colonial period. The study’s scope and analysis focused on a space centered in the old downtown area of Gangneung City. The time span under review was divided into three periods in terms of spatial politics. The original cadastral map, a contemporary cadastral map, and photographic data were analyzed, including the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) Programs, for characteristics corresponding to each period. A field investigation and interviews with residents were also conducted. The results confirmed changes in the spatial environment centered on roads, blocks, plots, and architecture that have historical significance. In particular, the study verified the characteristics of the physical environment of the original downtown area centered on Yonggang-dong, Myeongju-dong, and Seongnae-dong and changes in the form of Lake Gyeongpo. Finally, the study presents the implications of these changes by comprehensively summarizing the history of the modern and contemporary development of Gangneung City through changes in the surrounding area. Full article