Study on the Spatial Form and Elements of Huizhou Traditional Residential Courtyards Based on Clustering Analysis

Abstract

The study of traditional residential courtyards promotes the protection and renovation of traditional residences and enriches the spatial expression of new residential courtyards. As an organic component of the traditional residence, the courtyard space plays a role in improving, amplifying, and complementing the function of the main building space. This study investigated 63 Huizhou traditional residential courtyards, including those in Xidi, Hongcun, Nanping and Pingshan. The basic architectural information was first examined, and a field survey was undertaken to disclose the relationship between the courtyard and the main building space. The morphological characteristics of the courtyard were described through five dimensions: area, area ratio, aspect ratio, saturation, and boundary coefficient. Then, the courtyard space was classified through clustering analysis. Meanwhile, the courtyards’ location and characteristics of elemental organization within different morphological types were considered. The study shows that the traditional Huizhou courtyards can be classified into four types based on the quantitative clustering characteristics of spatial morphology, namely: medium-scale square, medium-scale strip, medium-scale irregular, and large-scale complex. Firstly, medium-scale square courtyards are the most common type, sharing the same proportion and form as the main building space. This type of courtyard offers a sense of stability and regularity. Moreover, they are typically located in the front and back of the residence. They include stone benches and other elements arranged with greenery, water, arches, secondary contours, and other elements, enriching the landscape levels and expanding the spatial function. Secondly, medium-scale strip courtyards mostly appear in large residential groups, which organize people’ s routes, depicting the spatial dynamism and directions. They mainly incorporate structures and arches, sometimes combined with greenery, plaques, stone tables, and openwork windows. Such structures weaken the sense of enclosure and insecurity generated by the long and narrow space. Thirdly, medium-scale irregular courtyards present irregular spatial forms in the front and side of the residence due to irregular land conditions and regular main building plans, often serving as a highlight of the residential space. The configuration of greenery, water, openwork windows, and their mutual combinations is mainly used to weaken the irregularity of space through spatial remediation and the creation of a visual focus. Finally, large-scale complex courtyards are predominantly located in backyards and serve as recreational areas and living spaces, enabling people to get close to nature. The configuration of spatial factors is mainly composed of natural leisure elements, such as water and stone benches. Larger scale courtyards usually combine with greenery elements to provide the house owner with a comfortable and private living scene. The current study clarified the typological characteristics of courtyard spatial forms through clustering analysis. It also discussed the spatial form and element organization of the traditional Huizhou courtyard. On this basis, the relationships among the courtyard, the building’ s main body, and the composition and organization of environmental elements were investigated and classified. The research conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for maintaining traditional residential courtyard forms and preserving their authenticity, as well as a reference for creating new residential courtyard spaces in Huizhou.