Spatial distribution characteristics of urban private gardens under the influence of shiyin concept (seclusion in the city): Case studies of urban private gardens in Suzhou from the end of the 14th century to the middle of the 18th century

This study examined the spatial distribution characteristics of urban private gardens under the influence of the shiyin concept (seclusion in the city) by studying urban private gardens in Suzhou from the end of the 14th century to the middle of the 18th century. Under the influence of shiyin, private gardens were constructed within the city. The urban spatial distribution features of 38 private gardens were analyzed through space syntax and related methods. The results show that (1) locationally, the private gardens were located more in main functional areas instead of suburban areas, and (2) structurally, the urban private gardens were integrated globally and separated locally in the urban space system. Combined with the discussion of shiyin, the results show that the reclusion aspect of shiyin is not related to the location distribution of urban private gardens, but is reflected more at the structural level, with urban private gardens locally separated from urban space systems. This study provides a new perspective to discuss urban private gardens in terms of urban space and suggests a focus on local structural features of private gardens at the medium and micro level of urban space (such as streets and blocks).