Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering (Jan 2023)

Zoning scenic areas of heritage sites using visibility analysis: the case of Zhengding, China

  • Joungah Lee

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2021.1971532
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 1
pp. 1 – 13

Abstract

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The preservation of historical architecture not only protects the specific building site but also preserves the surrounding historical setting. However, unassigned and vast historical settings are considered extremely delicate in terms of conservation. The formation of a Scenic Area provides a legal method of protecting the historical setting of cultural heritage sites in China. Additionally, scientific zoning of the Scenic Area can create zones for restricting construction and development. This article shows the process of rationally determining the Scenic Areas analyzing the visibility of Geographic Information System (GIS), taking the example of the seven National Heritage Sites (NHS) in Zhengding County, China. The objects of the visibility analysis included five high-rise architectural heritage buildings: pagodas and towers from the seven NHS and three other viewing points on the city walls to observe these sites. The results revealed several highly sensitive areas between the architectural heritage sites, in addition to the predicted areas of concerns near heritage sites. Therefore, the Scenic Areas were zoned as large connected areas by combining the spaces between the NHS. This study will help achieve rational zoning for sustainable conservation and development of high-rise cultural heritage sites forming a historical urban landscape.

Keywords