Abstract Villages, characterized by rice terraces (RT) and traditional settlements, are cultural landscape heritage that necessitates conservation. These spaces play a crucial role in maintaining environmental, historical, economic values and fostering identify formation and evolution of communities. As such, this research, designed as a comparative study, investigated the spatial characteristics and arrangement of traditional rice terrace (RT) villages in Indonesia and the Philippines, focusing on Tegallalang and Batad. Employing a syntactic approach and Lynch’s imageability framework, the study analyzed paths, edges, districts, and landmarks to assess RT villages. Data integration included GIS analysis, semi-structured interviews, field visits, and literature reviews. Findings revealed distinct spatial features influenced by individual history and sociocultural context, emphasizing the interplay between geography, culture, and village structure. Additionally, the study highlights the impact of village layout on broader aspects such as tourism dynamics and economic activities. Insights from Tegallalang and Batad inform strategies for cultural heritage conservation, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability in village settings. Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding rural communities and their landscape dynamics, informing village planning for long-term sustainability.
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