Spatio-Temporal Experience of Tour Routes in the Humble Administrator’s Garden Based on Isovist Analysis

Abstract

Chinese classical gardens (CCGs), as a distinct spatial category within architectural, historical research, are renowned for creating intricate and ever-changing spatial experiences within confined areas. Despite the existing literature and theories that attempt to explain these rich experiential qualities, many of these explanations need concrete empirical evidence due to the complex nature of gardens, where visual characteristics transform with the movement of people. This study employs a computational analysis method known as isovist to measure the evolving visual features of visitors along four representative pathways within a large-scale garden, the Humble Administrator’s Garden. By analyzing and comparing the changing visual attributes of these four routes, the aim is to validate the relationship between the garden’s pathway system and its spatial structure and assess the influence of pathway selection on the overall garden spatial experience.