The Spatial Patterns and Architectural Form Characteristics of Chinese Traditional Villages: A Case Study of Guanzhong, Shaanxi Province

This study examined the decline of traditional villages due to urbanization, focusing on their spatial patterns and architectural characteristics in China, particularly in the Guanzhong region. Using ArcGIS tools, kernel density and nearest-neighbor analyses quantitatively assessed the spatial distribution of these villages at macro- and micro-levels. Additionally, 3D laser scanning was employed to qualitatively analyze architectural features. The study demonstrated that (1) traditional villages are unevenly clustered nationwide, primarily in the southeast and southwest, creating a “three cores and multiple points” spatial pattern. (2) In the Guanzhong region, traditional village distribution also shows clustering with diverse patterns, including regiment, belt, and point formations. Higher densities are found in the eastern and northern regions, while the west and south are sparsely populated. Most villages are located at altitudes of 501–700 m, on slopes of 6–15°, and near water sources. (3) The basic residential structures in Guanzhong included the single, vertical multi-entry, and horizontal coupled courtyards, as well as the vertical and horizontal interleaved layouts; these buildings typically featured the foundations and walls made of earth, stone, and brick, combined with various wooden frames and single- or double-sloped roofs. This study overcomes the limitations of the traditional literature and field surveys by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing the spatial patterns of traditional villages and the architectural forms of residential buildings from an architectural perspective. It graphically presents the data to provide an efficient and practical theoretical basis for the heritage preservation and development of traditional villages.