Construction of totality conceptual model and systematic research framework of the rural living space

The rural revitalization strategy drives rural living space to undergo a transformation from "survival carrier" to "quality space". However, existing studies have limitations such as neglecting top-down forces in the structural dimension, having unclear definitions of core fields, and insufficient integration of spatial systems. Therefore, this article follows the logical sequence of "conceptual model - multidimensional features - interaction mechanism - production mechanism" to explore the construction of a totality conceptual model and a systematic research framework for rural living spaces. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) Rural living space is the overall projection of multi-subject social relations and spatial practices in geographical space. Drawing on the socio-spatial dialectic, three-fold model of rural space and the theory of daily life practice, this paper constructs a totality conceptual model of rural living space. This model integrates the attributes of spatiality, sociality, and historicity; encompasses multiple spatial types within the multi-level county-town-village-home system; carries diverse functions such as living, employment, consumption, leisure, education, and healthcare; and incorporates the triple structure and dynamic interactions among material space, formal representation, and daily activities. (2) Based on the behavioral logic embedded in rural residents' daily activities, this study proposes the county as the core field of rural living space, highlighting the need for systematic coordination between the overall settlement environment at the village level and multi-level categorical living spaces across the county scale. (3) The production of rural living space is essentially a process whereby, under the combined influence of multi-dimensional interactions and multiple driving forces, the relational forms and coordination dynamics within the tripartite structure of formal representation-material space-daily activities undergo transformation, driving changes in both the systemic equilibrium and the functional nature of the space. Accordingly, this study proposes a research framework that progresses in layers, encompassing multidimensional characteristics, interactive mechanisms, and production mechanisms. Studying rural living space from the perspective of totality and dynamic production helps enrich the theory of rural space and provides academic support for the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas and the development of livable living spaces.