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The Spatial Factors of Cultural Identity: A Case Study of the Courtyards in a Historical Residential Area in Beijing

Author

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  • Zhifen Cheng

    (Institute of Beijing Studies, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100101, China)

  • Shangyi Zhou

    (Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Baoxiu Zhang

    (Institute of Beijing Studies, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100101, China)

Abstract

The issue of identity is very complex and determining the factors influencing cultural identity is a key issue. Several scholars have studied the factors influencing cultural identity. However, relatively little attention has been paid to how spatial factors influence cultural identity. This paper takes a historical and cultural conservation block in Beijing, China, as the research area. This area includes eight lanes and is called Eight Lanes in North Xisi. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that spatial changes in living conditions, layout, size, architectural form, and decoration, etc. in the courtyards led to changes in the traditional culture of the courtyards, which ceased to reflect the original residential culture, which led to a decline in cultural identity. Spatial factors directly affected the residents’ cultural identification with harmonious courtyard culture. This view adds nuance to debates about cultural identity and the factors that influence it. From the perspective of cultural geography and by using structural equation modelling, we draw two main conclusions. First, the smaller proportion of public space (The term “space” as it is used in this paper is based on the understanding of humanistic geographers and refers to physical space; it does not acquire meaning and cultures.) is one main factor affecting residents’ identification with the harmonious residential culture of the case area. Second, the greater population density of the courtyards is another main factor affecting residents’ identification with the area’s harmonious residential culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhifen Cheng & Shangyi Zhou & Baoxiu Zhang, 2018. "The Spatial Factors of Cultural Identity: A Case Study of the Courtyards in a Historical Residential Area in Beijing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2587-:d:159616
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    1. Geraint Ellis & John Barry & Clive Robinson, 2007. "Many ways to say 'no', different ways to say 'yes': Applying Q-Methodology to understand public acceptance of wind farm proposals," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(4), pages 517-551.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhifen Cheng & Boning Fan & Shangyi Zhou & Baoxiu Zhang, 2022. "Interactions among Trialectic Spaces and Their Driving Forces: A Case Study of the Xisi Historical and Cultural Block in Beijing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Di Zuo & Changrong Li & Mingliang Lin & Pinyu Chen & Xiang Kong, 2022. "Tourism, Residents Agent Practice and Traditional Residential Landscapes at a Cultural Heritage Site: The Case Study of Hongcun Village, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-21, April.
    3. Xiaokang Wang & Li Zhu & Jiang Li & Ni Zhang & Yue Tang & Yilin Sun & Honglin Wu & Chuang Cheng, 2023. "Architectural Continuity Assessment of Rural Settlement Houses: A Systematic Literature Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-17, July.

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