Spatial characteristics analysis of Eaves Gallery along the street in China: take Hubei, Bashu, Jiangzhe areas as examples

The Eaves Gallery (EG) along the street as a form of Chinese traditional dwelling was special architecture form for preventing pedestrians from rains and snows while walking through or shopping which has played important roles in the ancient commercial activities. In the past, the studies about EG focused on architectural history, style, evolution in the separated specific local area. It helped the promotion of social attention to EG for protection and renewal. However, the protection and renewal conditions of EG are different in various regions of China. Few studies have done to compare and overview the characteristics of EG in these various regions. In this study, typical EG along the streets in Hubei, Bashu, Jiangzhe along Yangtze River regions from east to west of China were taken as case studies and are explicated based on the comparison and analyzing field distribution mode, space combination, spatial scale, and function. Thus, the spatial functional characteristics of EG in these three regions are divided into unitary type, conversion type and mixed type. The outcome will serve as a comparative basis for the existential form and spatial characteristics of extant traditional EG accompanied by optimum protection and renewal policy discussion in the future.