Architectural logic of Huế Nhà Rường: site planning, spatial configuration, and morphology

Huế Nhà Rường is a representative form of traditional Vietnamese timber architecture; however, the architectural logic underlying its site planning, spatial configuration, and morphology has not been systematically investigated. This study examines the architectural logic of Huế Nhà Rường through field surveys of twenty-three traditional residential compounds in Huế, Vietnam. The research combines architectural documentation, construction-archaeological investigation, analysis of Sino–Vietnamese inscriptions and carpenters’ marks, and morphological analysis to examine the relationships between site planning, spatial organization, and architectural form. The findings indicate that Huế Nhà Rường is organized as a coherent architectural system shaped by traditional cosmological concepts, particularly Yin–Yang theory and I Ching philosophy. Site planning and spatial configuration are structured around a central axis, with the ancestral altar serving as the symbolic and spatial core. The Gian (bay) and Chái (wing) function as the primary modular units regulating spatial organization and enabling flexible expansion while maintaining architectural coherence. Morphological analysis further demonstrates consistent relationships between site planning, spatial configuration, and architectural form. This study clarifies the architectural logic of Huế Nhà Rường and provides a scientific basis for architectural heritage conservation, digital documentation, and future research on vernacular architectural knowledge.