Space syntax analysis of spatial cultural relationships in traditional Xiangxi academies

Traditional Chinese academies represent a complex integration of cultural principles and architectural design, yet the quantitative relationship between their spatial layouts and cultural functions remains underexplored. This study uses space syntax analysis to investigate spatial–cultural relationships in traditional Xiangxi academies through their architectural arrangements. We examine the spatial configurations of four representative academies, focusing on their functional organization, circulation patterns, and cultural significance. The findings reveal three key spatial characteristics: lecture halls demonstrate high integration values reflecting their central educational function, ceremonial spaces, and libraries show strategic spatial segregation indicating cultural hierarchy, and overall spatial layouts exhibit regional adaptability while maintaining traditional cultural patterns. These results provide empirical evidence for understanding how traditional academy architecture manifests cultural–spatial relationships, offering insights for contemporary cultural and educational space design and heritage preservation.