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Rediscovering spatial configurations and cultural symbolism in Beijing’s official Pailou through landmark spatial indexing

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Rediscovering spatial configurations and cultural symbolism in Beijing’s official Pailou through landmark spatial indexing
Authors: Juan Yang, Mohd Fabian Hasna, Nor Azlina Abu Bakar
Source: Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, Vol 0, Iss 0, Pp 1-27 (2025)
Publisher Information: Informa UK Limited, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Subject Terms: Building construction, peircean semiotics, landmark spatial indexing, cidoc crm, Architecture, beijing official pailou, NA1-9428, TH1-9745, cultural symbolism
Description: The preservation and understanding of architectural heritage face growing challenges due to rapid urbanization and globalization. This study investigates Beijing’s official Pailou, rediscovering its dual role as a spatial marker and cultural transmitter through the Landmark Spatial Indexing (LSI) framework. Integrating Peircean semiotics with the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC CRM), the research classifies Pailou into three spatial configurations: point, line, and enclosure. Through analyzing 18 spatial indexes from six key locations, the study explores how Pailou anchors ceremonial nodes, connects urban pathways, and defines sacred boundaries. Using digital mapping and visual editing techniques, the transformation of Pailou from functional gateways to ceremonial landmarks during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties is synthesized, highlighting their roles in representing imperial authority, Confucian ethics, Buddhist philosophy, Daoist philosophy, and cosmological symbolism. Positioned as a mediator between tangible urban spaces and intangible cultural heritage, Pailou embody a unique interplay of spatial and symbolic elements. This study offers a replicable framework for analyzing spatial and cultural relationships in architectural landmarks. The integration of digital tools with traditional heritage methodologies demonstrates their value for urban conservation and planning, reinforcing the cultural relevance of Pailou in contemporary contexts.
Document Type: Article
Language: English
ISSN: 1347-2852
1346-7581
DOI: 10.1080/13467581.2025.2510609
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/93d46470bb5a46d7a0ab994b64f409cd
Rights: CC BY
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....cadb2abda8543663c0606b1f140eb039
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:The preservation and understanding of architectural heritage face growing challenges due to rapid urbanization and globalization. This study investigates Beijing’s official Pailou, rediscovering its dual role as a spatial marker and cultural transmitter through the Landmark Spatial Indexing (LSI) framework. Integrating Peircean semiotics with the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC CRM), the research classifies Pailou into three spatial configurations: point, line, and enclosure. Through analyzing 18 spatial indexes from six key locations, the study explores how Pailou anchors ceremonial nodes, connects urban pathways, and defines sacred boundaries. Using digital mapping and visual editing techniques, the transformation of Pailou from functional gateways to ceremonial landmarks during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties is synthesized, highlighting their roles in representing imperial authority, Confucian ethics, Buddhist philosophy, Daoist philosophy, and cosmological symbolism. Positioned as a mediator between tangible urban spaces and intangible cultural heritage, Pailou embody a unique interplay of spatial and symbolic elements. This study offers a replicable framework for analyzing spatial and cultural relationships in architectural landmarks. The integration of digital tools with traditional heritage methodologies demonstrates their value for urban conservation and planning, reinforcing the cultural relevance of Pailou in contemporary contexts.
ISSN:13472852
13467581
DOI:10.1080/13467581.2025.2510609