Xiaoya Zhang
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Xiaoya Zhang has a total of 12 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Xueguo Guan
Kunming Urban Planning and Design Institute, Kunming 650051, China
2 shared publications - Yaoning Yang
School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
2 shared publications - Yaqi Chen
School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
2 shared publications - Chao Dong
School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
1 shared publication - Chunlei Hu
School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
1 shared publication - Duopeng Wu
School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 12 April 2026
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 18 (8) , 3818
Multidimensional Spatial–Cultural Clustering of Traditional Villages in Northwestern Yunnan Based on a Four-Dimensional Analytical Framework for Sustainable Conservation
Traditional villages in ecologically fragile and multi-ethnic frontier regions are increasingly threatened by rapid urbanization and socio-economic transformation. Northwestern Yunnan, located in the longitudinal valleys of the Hengduan Mountains, represents a key cultural landscape of plateau agropastoral civilization and ethnic interaction, yet its spatial organization and clustering mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This study develops a four-dimensional analytical framework integrating four dimensions—spatial morphology (village distribution patterns and density), geomorphological conditions (elevation, slope, and terrain features), cultural attributes (ethnic composition and historical-cultural corridors), and architectural typologies (dominant residential structure types) to examine 246 officially recognized traditional villages. Using GIS-based spatial statistics, kernel density estimation (KDE), spatial autocorrelation, and a hierarchical overlay model, the study identifies the spatial structure (distribution patterns and density gradients), environmental adaptability (relationships with elevation, slope, and hydrological conditions), and multidimensional clustering characteristics (integrated clustering intensity across four analytical dimensions) of settlements. The results reveal a highly uneven and a statistically significant clustered spatial pattern ( = 0.606, Moran’s = 0.251, p < 0.05) characterized by a “two corridors–six clusters–multiple nodes” structure. Settlement distribution demonstrates strong coupling with mid-elevation plateau basins, river valley systems, and trade-cultural corridors shaped by the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Multidimensional integration further classifies villages into three typologies—comprehensive, specialized, and general clusters—reflecting different levels of coordination among spatial, environmental, cultural, and architectural dimensions. These findings reveal the spatial regularities and multidimensional clustering characteristics of officially recognized traditional villages in Northwestern Yunnan, and suggest that environmental setting, historical corridors, and cultural-architectural features jointly shape the current recognized heritage landscape. The proposed framework provides a context-sensitive basis for differentiated heritage conservation and rural management in mountainous multi-ethnic regions.- 12 April 2026
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 18 (8) , 3818
Open AccessMultidimensional Spatial–Cultural Clustering of Traditional Villages in Northwestern Yunnan Based on a Four-Dimensional Analytical Framework for Sustainable Conservation
Traditional villages in ecologically fragile and multi-ethnic frontier regions are increasingly threatened by rapid urbanization and socio-economic transformation. Northwestern Yunnan, located in the longitudinal valleys of the Hengduan Mountains, represents a key cultural landscape of plateau agropastoral civilization and ethnic interaction, yet its spatial organization and clustering mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This study develops a four-dimensional analytical framework integrating four dimensions—spatial morphology (village distribution patterns and density), geomorphological conditions (elevation, slope, and terrain features), cultural attributes (ethnic composition and historical-cultural corridors), and architectural typologies (dominant residential structure types) to examine 246 officially recognized traditional villages. Using GIS-based spatial statistics, kernel density estimation (KDE), spatial autocorrelation, and a hierarchical overlay model, the study identifies the spatial structure (distribution patterns and density gradients), environmental adaptability (relationships with elevation, slope, and hydrological conditions), and multidimensional clustering characteristics (integrated clustering intensity across four analytical dimensions) of settlements. The results reveal a highly uneven and a statistically significant clustered spatial pattern ( = 0.606, Moran’s = 0.251, p < 0.05) characterized by a “two corridors–six clusters–multiple nodes” structure. Settlement distribution demonstrates strong coupling with mid-elevation plateau basins, river valley systems, and trade-cultural corridors shaped by the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Multidimensional integration further classifies villages into three typologies—comprehensive, specialized, and general clusters—reflecting different levels of coordination among spatial, environmental, cultural, and architectural dimensions. These findings reveal the spatial regularities and multidimensional clustering characteristics of officially recognized traditional villages in Northwestern Yunnan, and suggest that environmental setting, historical corridors, and cultural-architectural features jointly shape the current recognized heritage landscape. The proposed framework provides a context-sensitive basis for differentiated heritage conservation and rural management in mountainous multi-ethnic regions. - Open Access
- 3 April 2026
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 18 (7) , 3529
Courtyard Orientation and Natural Ventilation Performance of Vernacular Housing in a Mild Plateau Climate: Evidence from One-Seal (Yikeyin) Dwellings in Central Yunnan
The traditional Yikeyin dwellings in central Yunnan exhibit a distinctive spatial layout and skywell design that passively adapt to the mild plateau monsoon climate through natural ventilation. Although their courtyard-based configuration and skylight design are widely recognized for climatic adaptability, the quantitative relationship between courtyard orientation and ventilation performance remains insufficiently explored. This study integrates on-site environmental monitoring with validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate how different courtyard orientations influence airflow organization and the indoor thermal environment. Based on detailed field surveys and measured data, three representative orientation schemes were established. The RNG k-ε turbulence model was adopted, and one-way coupled simulations using OpenFOAM and EnergyPlus were conducted to evaluate seasonal ventilation behavior and indoor thermal comfort. The findings reveal synergistic design principles between building orientation and courtyard spatial configuration, as well as spatial differentiation patterns contributing to thermal environment stability. Three orientation types—leeward, windward, and transitional—were identified, each demonstrating distinct advantages and limitations. The study quantitatively confirms the effectiveness of Yikeyin dwellings in utilizing natural ventilation for environmental regulation during both summer and winter seasons. These results provide scientific evidence and design support for modern buildings seeking to achieve enhanced ventilation performance and climatic adaptability.
- 3 April 2026
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 18 (7) , 3529
Open AccessCourtyard Orientation and Natural Ventilation Performance of Vernacular Housing in a Mild Plateau Climate: Evidence from One-Seal (Yikeyin) Dwellings in Central Yunnan
The traditional Yikeyin dwellings in central Yunnan exhibit a distinctive spatial layout and skywell design that passively adapt to the mild plateau monsoon climate through natural ventilation. Although their courtyard-based configuration and skylight design are widely recognized for climatic adaptability, the quantitative relationship between courtyard orientation and ventilation performance remains insufficiently explored. This study integrates on-site environmental monitoring with validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate how different courtyard orientations influence airflow organization and the indoor thermal environment. Based on detailed field surveys and measured data, three representative orientation schemes were established. The RNG k-ε turbulence model was adopted, and one-way coupled simulations using OpenFOAM and EnergyPlus were conducted to evaluate seasonal ventilation behavior and indoor thermal comfort. The findings reveal synergistic design principles between building orientation and courtyard spatial configuration, as well as spatial differentiation patterns contributing to thermal environment stability. Three orientation types—leeward, windward, and transitional—were identified, each demonstrating distinct advantages and limitations. The study quantitatively confirms the effectiveness of Yikeyin dwellings in utilizing natural ventilation for environmental regulation during both summer and winter seasons. These results provide scientific evidence and design support for modern buildings seeking to achieve enhanced ventilation performance and climatic adaptability.