Search Results (4)

This study investigates the value identification and assessment of architectural heritage in Fujian Overseas Chinese New Village. As representative 20th-century settlements of returned overseas Chinese, these villages demonstrate distinctive architectural integration of Southeast Asian and Minnan architectural traditions while preserving historical memories of diasporic communities, though systematic evaluation remains lacking. An innovative multidimensional assessment framework combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was developed, with spatial analysis and value evaluation conducted on 247 representative structures employing Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), Delphi method, and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Three primary findings emerged: (1) Spatial distribution patterns revealed core-periphery clustering characteristics, with Xiamen and Zhangzhou forming high-density cores (23.5% concentration ratio) showing KDE values of 4.138–4.976, reflecting historical migration networks and policy-driven site selection logic. (2) Heritage values were categorized into seven dimensions, with historical significance (0.2904), artistic merit (0.1602), and functional utility (0.1638) identified as primary value drivers. (3) A four-tier evaluation system quantified heritage significance through weighted indices, demonstrating 53.89% dominance of intrinsic value components, with historical and cultural factors contributing 29.04% and 18.52% respectively. Assessment outcomes indicated 23.5% of structures scoring above 80 points, particularly highlighting Xiamen’s comprehensive preservation value. This research advances traditional conservation paradigms through its pioneering “value identification–quantitative assessment–conservation and utilization” closed-loop model, providing methodological innovation applicable to similar Overseas Chinese communities. The developed framework fills critical research gaps in the systematic evaluation of Southern Min diaspora architecture while establishing quantitative parameters for decision-making synergy between cultural preservation and urban–rural development. By transcending conventional single-dimensional approaches, this study offers replicable analytical tools for differentiated conservation strategies and policy formulation. Full article

This study explores the distribution patterns of ancestral hall architecture and surrounding spatial elements in the Jimei area of Xiamen, China. As the core buildings of traditional villages in Southern Fujian, ancestral halls are deeply influenced by Feng Shui theories in their angular spatial layout. This research collected data on 45 ancestral halls and their surrounding elements, such as ponds, trees, plazas, and performance stages, using a classification approach based on Feng Shui theory to analyze the spatial distribution patterns, combined with DBSCAN and HDBSCAN clustering algorithms. This study found that certain elements were not significant, as mathematical analysis and clustering failed to reveal clear patterns. However, elements like ponds, trees, and performance stages showed strong correlations with orientation, with a Coefficient of Variation (CV) greater than 1 and clustering results displaying distinct angular patterns. Additionally, spatial distribution features such as building orientation were significantly associated with traditional Feng Shui principles (validated by a “shift half-division” irregularity ratio > 1). This study further demonstrated that within the cultural context of southern Fujian, these mathematical findings could be explained by Feng Shui theories or practical conditions. Full article

The traditional Southern Fujian architecture serves as a reflection of the region’s deeply rooted cultural values. However, research on the architectural and cultural heritage of Southern Fujian remains scarce. Accordingly, this study employs eye-tracking technology to experiment with 20 individuals with local cultural backgrounds and 20 without it to investigate the differences in the perception of the architectural heritage of Southern Fujian by individuals with disparate cultural backgrounds. The findings indicate that distinct groups evince disparate visual perceptions of the architectural and cultural heritage of Southern Fujian. The participants’ attention was divided into two categories: patterns and shapes and calligraphy and text. Non-locals were primarily drawn to patterns and shapes, whereas locals demonstrated a greater interest in the calligraphy and text category. The extraction of cultural information from calligraphic characters requires greater understanding and more time spent within the culture. Knowledge of local cultural backgrounds is helpful to better understand such information. This highlights the potential impact of Southern Fujian architecture on the local population. These findings provide a compelling rationale for the incorporation of multicultural elements in contemporary architectural design while also advocating for the preservation and advancement of Southern Fujian architectural heritage. Full article

Hakka culture reveals how the ancient Chinese lived. Hakka architecture yields much evidence that modern Hakka culture of the south flows from the ancient stream of the north. The genius of the Hakka is best seen in the unique roundhouses of the mountainous borderland of three provinces—Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangxi. However, in completing the fourth of five migrations, the Hakka returned to the traditional building styles of the northern plains of China and built Wufenglou on the plains of southern Guangdong province. The structures not only facilitate environmental sustainability, but endow the inhabitants with material, social and spiritual sustainability. Full article