Analysis of the Spatial Morphology and Influencing Factors of Ancient Waterside Towns Based on Space Syntax—A Case Study of Xucun Town, a Historical and Cultural Town in China

Abstract

Xucun Town in She County has been selected for inclusion in the fourth update of the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development’s list of China’s historically and culturally renowned towns, showcasing spatial characteristics typical of villages in the southern Anhui Province. While current research on ancient towns primarily concentrates on planning and preservation, studies addressing the spatial morphology of ancient towns and their underlying causes remain inadequate. This paper utilizes space syntax to analyze the spatial characteristics of the ancient town, exploring factors such as spatial depth, spatial integration, and spatial intelligibility to interpret its spatial morphology. Additionally, it examines the geographical location of the ancient town, regional cultural conditions, and factors contributing to the relation between the ancient town and the river. Through this comprehensive analysis of spatial morphology and its causes, our aim is to accurately grasp the traditional characteristics of the ancient town’s streets and alleys. This understanding will provide a theoretical basis for the preservation and revitalization of traditional streets and alleys during the future process of protecting and renovating the ancient town.