Spatiotemporal Characterization of the Three-Dimensional Morphology of Urban Buildings Based on Moran’s I

The three-dimensional morphological analysis of urban buildings constitutes a pivotal component of urban planning and sustainable development. Nevertheless, the majority of current research is two-dimensional in nature, which constrains the comprehensive understanding of urban spatial–temporal evolution. The existing body of three-dimensional studies frequently fails to consider the temporal dimension of architectural change and lacks a detailed examination of micro areas such as communities and streets. In order to accurately identify the patterns of spatial–temporal evolution in urban architectural morphology, this study focuses on the Yau Tsim Mong District in Hong Kong, utilizing three-dimensional data. By innovatively integrating temporal factors, constructing a spatial–temporal weight matrix, and applying the spatial–temporal Moran’s I, this study conducts an in-depth quantitative analysis of Coverage, Staggeredness, and Duty Cycle at the community scale, neighborhood scale, and urban scale. From 2014 to 2023, the global spatial–temporal Moran’s I of key urban morphology indicators in Yau Tsim Mong District has exhibited a marked increase, underscoring the close interrelationship and significant optimization between urban morphology and overall development. The findings illustrate that urban architecture is undergoing a process of agglomeration and high homogeneity, with strategic shifts emphasizing efficient spatial utilization and refined design. The analysis at the neighborhood scale is of particular importance, as its independent and complete spatial structure effectively captures local dynamics, revealing high-value agglomeration and low-value dispersion characteristics. This suggests that buildings in the Yau Tsim Mong District are being constructed in a more compact manner at the neighborhood level, which reflects the precision and efficiency of urban planning and the rationality of spatial planning. These significant findings provide valuable references for the development planning and governance of sustainable cities. They enhance urban governance capabilities and promote the optimization of urban development strategies, ensuring steady progress on the path of efficiency, harmony, and sustainability.