Study on the gene mapping and formation mechanism of historical buildings influenced by multiculturalism: A case of Gulangyu, China

Abstract

Historical buildings influenced by multiculturalism exhibit characteristics of stylistic integration and cultural complexity. Research on multicultural architecture is significant for understanding the collision and fusion of diverse cultures. Currently, studies in this field primarily focus on the qualitative descriptions of architectural styles. In this study, we analyze the floor plans of historical buildings located in the World Cultural Heritage site of Gulangyu Island. Utilizing methods such as typology, spatial schema, space syntax, cluster analysis, and regression analysis, we investigate their gene mapping and formation mechanisms. The results indicate the following: The gene mapping of multicultural plan variants (denoted as "V"), can be expressed as follows: V = L × $X\%$ + F × $Y\%$, where "L" represents the local planar prototype, and "F" denotes the foreign planar prototype, and $X+Y=100$). These variants can be classified into three types. Multicultural plan variants include three generative mechanisms: "Imitation," "Compromise," and "Variation." The spatial layout, central positioning, and traffic flow lines reflect the "Imitation" of local planar prototypes. Connectivity and integration illustrate the "Compromise" between local and foreign planar prototypes. Topological structures and topological depth represent the "Variation" influenced by foreign planar prototypes.