Architectural typology classification using decorative elements from a cultural gene perspective in Jinhua Wu-style architecture
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In traditional Chinese architectural typology, floor plan layout, spatial organization, structural systems, and function are core criteria. Yet under conditions of structural and spatial homogeneity, factors other than function often lack stable discriminatory power. Focusing on Wu-style architecture, this study examines residential courtyard architectures, ancestral halls, academies, and temples, introducing wooden decorative elements as a secondary criterion within a quantifiable framework. Based on cultural gene theory, architectural decoration is divided into six coded dimensions validated by expert consistency testing, and the Entropy Weight Method (EWM) is applied to evaluate each factor’s discernment. Results show significant typological differences in decorative configurations: thematic patterns, symbolic meanings, and cultural concepts exhibit stronger differentiation. Wooden decorative elements are not merely ancillary components but serve as key typological indicators with stable recognition value within specific cultural contexts. This study proposes a method based on architectural decorative elements, offering a new analytical pathway for researching architectural typology.
Source: npj Heritage Science
Institution: Zhejiang A & F University
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7212292938
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: