Space Syntax Analysis of the Floor Plans of the Vernacular Buildings in Western Henan Province, China

Abstract

This study is based on the investigation and analysis of three kinds of the vernacular building in China’s western Henan Province: pit kilns, independent cave-dwelling, and masonry buildings. Their layout characteristics are documented through surveying and photography, classifying and analyzing the floor plans of these buildings. Space syntax theory is employed to analyze the connection value, control value, depth value, and integration value, and relationship are considered between different pit kilns and the other building types. The analysis reveals that the three types of pit kilns do not have an obvious differences in connectivity and depth values, while both the control and the integration of the three types of pit kiln significantly differ. In contrast, Single row houses, Erheyuan, Sanheyuan, Siheyuan, and Modular courtyards have significant differences in connectivity, control, integration, and mean-depth, same for the three types of vernacular buildings. From this work, it can be seen that the pit kiln became the prototype of the western Henan building: all buildings were built with courtyards as the core to organize the entire spatial system. Courtyards therefore form the center of spatial layout and functional organization for all building types.