Work

Typological patterns of traditional buildings in Lingnan traditional villages: a quantitative analysis based on digital technology

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Traditional villages and their buildings are deteriorating rapidly under urbanization, highlighting the need for efficient digital preservation. This study analyzes ten traditional villages in Guangzhou, China, using a previously established dataset derived from UAV oblique photogrammetry, multiscale segmentation, and machine learning. The dataset comprises 3414 traditional buildings, 30 attributes, and 102,420 data entries. Quantitative analyses of spatial distribution, building scale, roof morphology, and plan form establish a typological system comprising five spatial distribution types, three building scale types, three roof slope types, and three plan morphology types. The results reveal dominant regional characteristics, including compact spatial layouts, hierarchical building scales, and consistent morphological patterns. The proposed cross-village typological framework provides quantitative references for heritage assessment, conservation planning, and contextual renewal in Guangzhou and offers a transferable analytical approach for traditional village studies in the broader Lingnan region.

Source: npj Heritage Science

DOI: 10.1038/s40494-026-02887-9

Authors: Linghan Yao, Ting Yang, Shan Zou, Zhimin Zhang

Institutions: Southeast University, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts

Language: English

Topic: 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage

Subfield: Geology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: South China University of Technology, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science