Genetic Variation Mechanism and Restoration of the Water Village Landscape

What is it about?

Traditional villages contain the internal spirit and external expression of Chinese traditional culture, which is the intermediary between cultural inheritance and tourism development. The study of its dynamic changes and the wisdom learned from it is conducive to the preservation and exploitation of its cultural values. Based on the theory of landscape genes in geography, we use the method of feature deconstruction and extraction to identify the genes of the water village landscape in Southern Jiangsu, and then analyze the variation characteristics of landscape genes and propose the variation mechanism to summarize the variation trend of traditional villages in southern Jiangsu. Finally, from the perspective of biological genetic variation, it is summarized into four types: inheritance variation, replacement variation, fusion variation, and deletion variation, and corresponding restoration strategies are proposed for different variation types, which provide methodological references for the theoretical cognition of existing traditional village conservation.

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Photo by Michael Lee on Unsplash

Photo by Michael Lee on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Core Contributions and Importance Innovative Application of “Landscape Genes” Framework By adapting the concept of “landscape genes” from geography and biology, the authors break down complex spatial and cultural features into identifiable “genes.” This method allows for a systematic analysis of how traditional village landscapes evolve—scientifically illuminating their structural essence. Classification of Variation Mechanisms The team identifies four types of landscape variation—inheritance, replacement, fusion, and deletion. This typology enriches academic discourse, offering a structured understanding of how traditional aesthetic and structural elements change over time. Restoration Strategy Alignment Each variation type is linked to specific restoration strategies. For instance, fusion variation suggests integrating modern and traditional elements in a respectful, context-aware manner. By aligning restoration methods with the variation mechanism, the study offers actionable guidance to policymakers and conservation practitioners. Context-Specific Relevance The research centers on the iconic “water villages” of Southern Jiangsu—semi-urban settlements with canal systems and traditional architecture. Insights generated here can inform broader heritage projects, but are deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological specificity of the region. Interdisciplinary Methodology Utilizing tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis, the study combines GIS, landscape feature extraction, and machine learning. This rich methodology strengthens its contribution to both digital humanities and applied landscape design. Broader Academic and Practical Impact Advances Heritage Conservation Practices: By repackaging cultural landscape change through genetic variation metaphors, the paper advances both theoretical understanding and practical design of heritage sites. Model for Future Studies: The variation mechanism framework and associated restoration toolkit can be tested and adapted in other cultural landscapes—globally. Bridges Theory and Design: Its integration of rigorous data analysis with actionable planning recommendations is a model for research with real-world impact.