Study on the sustainability of ancient canal towns on the basis of the topological structure analysis of streets and lanes: A case study of the Xixing ancient town

Weilu Lv; Ning Wang; Yun Huang

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0279979

. 2023 Jan 6;18(1):e0279979. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979

Study on the sustainability of ancient canal towns on the basis of the topological structure analysis of streets and lanes: A case study of the Xixing ancient town

Weilu Lv ^1,², Ning Wang ^3,^*, Yun Huang ⁴

Editor: Dragan Pamucar⁵

PMCID: PMC9821790 PMID: 36607979

Abstract

In China, rapid urbanization and the decline of the canal’s shipping function have directly led to the decline of the space and style of ancient towns with canals. The ancient town of Xixing, known to be the first canal town, is located west of the Zhedong canal section of the Grand Canal. It used to be the most active transportation hub and trade transit point in the east Zhejiang Province. However, the canal is now facing problems in protection and renewal, which require urgent attention. For example, the streets of the ancient town are separated from the water system space, the self-organizing and development ability of the ancient town has weakened, and the spatial vitality is scarce. Firstly, by comparing and analyzing whether the canal is used as a road network under two different spatial scales, the area with the highest degree of spatial integration is obtained before judging whether the canal has an important influence and control on the street spaces of the ancient town. Secondly, as the canal is no longer used as a transportation network nowadays, the internal spatial structure characteristics of streets and alleys are analyzed. Finally, the topological structure analysis is carried out in the 3 km area from the border of the planning control area, and the integrated development of the ancient town space and urban transportation network is then discussed. Further, the vitality renewal strategies of the ancient town under different spatial scales are put forward to provide the empirical basis and decision-making reference for the better sustainable development of ancient towns with canals. According to research, once the ancient town is considered on a larger urban scale, the areas with the best integration and accessibility, like the water-adjoined spaces change to intersection spaces and urban road network areas. Consequently, in order to realize the sustainable development of Xixing ancient town, the city system must overcome its shortfalls in operation. The methods and conclusions in the paper can effectively contribute to the development of the ancient town. The research significantly helps to improve the average land sharing, commercial distribution, and public facilities layout in the practice of protection and development in ancient towns and provides an empirical basis and decision-making references for relevant management departments.

1. Introduction

Unlike natural drainage systems, canals, as artificially excavated waterways, are human pioneers in utilizing and transforming nature and promoting social development. They have multiple meanings and comprehensive economic, political, and cultural values. As the earliest and largest canal in the world, the Grand Canal is a great project on the eastern plain of China. It has been excavated for more than 2,500 years and has a total length of 1,797 km. In 2014, the 38th World Heritage Conference declared the Grand Canal as the 46th World Heritage Site in China [1]. Along the Grand Canal, through continuous self-evolution and change, many famous cultural cities and ancient towns of different scales and compositions have emerged, which carries the life, production, and cultural memory of the canal residents. However, due to the rapid process of urbanization and the decline of canal shipping functions, the original production and lifestyle of the ancient towns along the canal have changed in characteristics, and as a result, such ancient towns with canals lost their vitality through time.

The Xixing ancient town, now located in the Binjiang district of the Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province, marks the beginning of the Zhedong canal section of the Grand Canal. More than 1700 years of evolution have resulted in a strip-like urban formation, “one water stripe running through the city” [2]. The ancient town has a road grid in the shape of a ‘fish bone’, where in the Xixing street and Guanhe road in the East-West direction form the main frame, with narrow lanes in the North-South direction. The streets (roads) in the ancient town are divided into two categories. Xixing Street, parallel to the canal, is distributed along the east-west direction and is about 2–3 m wide. The north to south lanes, perpendicular to the canal, are mostly 1 m wide and are marked by shops on the sides of the street. Small piers are set up every 20 m in the residential areas adjacent to the canal and are directly linked to Xixing street. The two banks of the canal are well connected, which facilitates three-dimensional transportation of water and land connection (see Fig 1).

Fig 1 — (a)Xixing townscape along the Zhedong Canal; (b) Xixing old street (Photoed by the authors).

As the first ancient town with canals in eastern Zhejiang, Xixing has long been an important distribution hub for goods. It is the most active transportation inter-spot in eastern Zhejiang, and goods are transported to all sides of the Grand Canal. Since 1990, Binjiang district, where the town is located, has evolved as the first national high-tech industrial development zone in China. In 2006, the ancient town was officially approved to be listed in the Planning for the Protection of Historical Blocks of Xixing Ancient Street in Hangzhou by the Hangzhou Municipal People’s government. It became one of the top ten historical protection blocks in Hangzhou [3].

Comparing the satellite images from 1969 and 2021 (see Fig 2), we can see that the basic structure of the ancient town was preserved in the process of urbanization, but its usage attributes changed substantially. On the one hand, in 1977, the Beitang river (about 35 m wide), which was crucial for irrigation and shipping, was excavated to the north of Xixing ancient town. The original canal in the ancient town retained only some functions providing water and aesthetics [4]. On the other hand, in the then agricultural society, Xixing ancient town served as a commercial and trade distribution center, playing an important role in organization and communication. However, it became a historical and cultural patch embedded in modern cities as a well-protected object. Set in the new historical period, this paper proposes adaptive protection and renewal strategies to stimulate the spatial vitality of ancient towns and to better integrate them into urban development.

2. Literature review

After the survey of street space research, this study observed the street life in the ancient town of Xixing through a comparison of these satellite images. Through a quantitative analysis using the spatial syntax method, the study investigated different characteristics of the ancient town, including the structure of streets at different spatial scales and the studies on the renewal strategy of ancient towns with canals can be divided into three aspects: the study of street spatial form, the study of street spatial behavior, and the analysis of street spatial structure.

2.1 Research on street spatial form

Several researchers have examined the features and characteristics of street forms from the standpoint of morphology and reached relevant conclusions. Among them, Kevin Lynch (1964) discussed from a cognitive standpoint how the structure, corners, and intersection forms of roads could form different degrees of perception [5]. Ashigara Yoshinobu (1983) focused on the figure-ground relation of street composition, emphasized people’s feelings, and advocated the recognizable space rooted in the place [6]. Alan B. Jacobs (1993) recorded the spatial form of many streets in the world, summarized typical street patterns, and compared and summarized the features that great streets should have [7]. All these studies have far-reaching implications. In recent years, many studies have used streetscape image and image segmentation technology, ArcGIS, Internet LBS data, and other means to obtain more specific, more intuitive, and more continuous spatial morphology data of streets to promote the quantitative study of spatial forms of streets and alleys. For example, Doersch et al. (2012) and others employed computer vision and in-depth learning to study the classification of visual elements and architectural styles in Paris by using street scenes [8]. Li et al. (2015) and colleagues used Google Street View images to analyze and assess the greening levels of 300 sample points along a Manhattan block [9]. Tang and Long (2019) explored a new method for visual quality assessment and variation recognition of large area street space, which assesses the physical and perceived visual quality of street space [10].

2.2 Street spatial behavior research

Jane Jacobs (1993) observed and studied the interaction of people and street space, and summarized the conditions required for a viable street [11]. Jan Gehl (1971) emphasized the importance of different types of behavioral activities to the vitality of street space. He discussed the physical conditions of street space itself, its design in terms of security and domain perception, and the impact of sensory stimulation on the activation of behavioral activities [12]. Cliff Moughtin (1971) focused on the form and function of streets and squares, proposed design methods in detail, and encouraged pedestrians to take full use of the streets in various ways, thereby stimulating street vitality [13]. Afterward, subsequent studies presented more meta-perspectives. Burton and Mitchell (2006) investigated street space design from the perspective of vulnerable groups living on the streets [14]. Dičiūnaitė-Rauktienė et al. (2018) employed the COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment) method to analyze the attitudes and behavior of the residents toward the pedestrian area in three Lithuanian cities, based on which they proposed the strategies for commercialization of the pedestrian area [15]. Xu and Hu (2020) proposed the concept of healing streets from the perspective of people’s perception of the healing effect of streets and completed the construction and demonstration of the healing model of streets [16]. Zhe Wang et al. (2022) observed and analyzed social behaviors and data models of the in stelderly reet space to improve the existing strategies and practices of designing street space [17].

2.3 Analysis and research on street spatial structure

Space syntax has become a famous research method for street spatial structure analysis. The analysis of street space by employing the space syntax method can obtain the location and scale of street space and determine the layout and activity line of street space, which provides strong proof for the correlation between the form and vitality of street space. Recently, relevant research has made some breakthroughs in research objects, ideas, and paths. For instance, Michael Oloyede Alabi (2021) discussed the syntactic attributes related to urban core blocks for walking behavior, explained the factors affecting the change in walking ability, and provided strategic suggestions for the design of public transport and pedestrian system [18]. Griffiths and Vaughan (2020) clarified the relationship between space syntax and Historical Geographic Information System (HGIS), analyzed the data of typical cities in the 19th century, and promoted the new development of urban history [19]. Leccese et al. (2020) used space syntax to estimate traffic volume in order to design appropriate lighting infrastructure, with the goal of saving energy and avoiding overly large lighting systems [20]. In China, the study of traditional urban street space based on space syntax is gradually increasing. Duan and Bill (2016) analyzed the historic blocks of Sanfangqixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) in Fuzhou city by using space syntax and quantitatively analyzed their spatial characteristics from macro, medium, and micro scales to explore the path of recovery of Sanfangqixiang [21]. Based on space syntax theory, Wu Xi (2020) discovered a correlation between the number density of street segments and the local integration of traditional blocks in Guiyang city under different parameter radii and explained the influence mechanism of the spatial form of traditional blocks on the vitality of blocks [22]. With the help of spatial syntax, Wang and Guan (2019) took the Guyao District of Jingdezhen City as the research object to explore the correlation and differences between tourists and residents in utilizing street space and conducting activities [23].

To sum up, the research on street space has experienced a long period of development. There is currently a trend toward research on specific topics, cross-domain perspectives, and the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The use of spatial syntax analysis of urban street space is one of them, and it has a significant impact on this paper. Still, most of the existing studies are oriented to the internal traffic system of a single town, and few consider the research object as a part of the city itself, which lacks objectivity.

3. Research design

3.1 Study area

As shown, the core protection area of Xixing ancient town is located within the red-line frame, amounting to 10.49 hectares, and the planning control area is within the blue-line frame, amounting to 25 hectares. In this area, the total area covered by buildings is 223,000 m², with a building density of 34% and a plot ratio of about 0.9%. Whereas in the core protection area, the total area covered by buildings is 91,000 m², the building density is 36%, and the plot ratio is 0.7%. In ancient towns, residential land was the major land-use type, which was roughly divided into two categories. The first is low-rise residential buildings, usually traditional, accounting for 66% of the residential land. The second is the recent multi-story residential buildings, accounting for 34% of the residential land. The representative residential areas are Tieling garden located at Tielingguantou, Xingsheng garden at the intersection of Gutang Road and Guling Road, and Guanhexincun near the experimental elementary school at the northeast corner of the block. The scope of this study extends to the west part of Tieling garden from the west, Guanhe apartment in the East, Qingnian road in the south, Gutang road in the north, and an additional area extending 3 kilometers outwards from the border of the before-said area (see Fig 3).

After correcting the Cad electronic map of Xixing town through field investigation and comparison, the street network is abstracted as the linear model of the minimum and the longest straight lines. The spatial integration under the two scales of core protected area and planning control area is analyzed and compared using Depthmap software, and whether the Zhedong canal has control and influence over the space of Xixing Town is investigated. Buffer zones are defined as an area 3 kilometers out from the planning control scope’s border that is within a 40-minute walk distance. Considering that the major ways of transportation between the ancient town and the outside are pedestrian and public transportation, and the boundary effect of the ancient town has been eliminated within 3 kilometers, the ancient town and the city are relatively well integrated. Thus, the integration between the ancient town and the urban space can be better investigated on a larger scale. Based on the topological structure characteristics of streets and alleys in Xixing ancient town, the calculation results such as global integration, R3 local integration, choice, and comprehensibility are obtained to study the internal relationship between streets in the ancient town (especially adjacent streets in the study area) and urban space.

3.2 Methodology

In the late 1970s, Bill Hillier and Julienne Hanson of Barrett College, University of London, developed the space syntax method. It is used to explain the spatial forms of various dimensions and socio-economic activities of buildings, communities, and towns from the perspective of space construction activities [24]. After years of practice and corrections made by many case studies, the space syntax theory has developed into a new empirical analysis. It can be empirically implemented by establishing the standard space syntax axis, line segments, or the viewshed analysis model before being professionally calculated using the DepthMap software to explore the social operation logic behind the spatial relationship via the inter-spatial topological configuration.

Three different spatial analysis methods are derived from spatial syntax, according to different spatial segmentation methods. When the space is linearly distributed, the axis method is used. When the space is distributed in node shape, the convex space method is used, and when there is an obvious occlusion in the space, the horizon segmentation method is used [25]. Based on the former field investigation and the obtained CAD topographic map, this study establishes an axis model of the space syntax according to the standard of “longest and least” before it is processed and analyzed by using the DepthMap software, which interprets the spatial data after the spatial syntax data, such as the integration,choice, and comprehensibility are obtained.

4. Result analysis

4.1 Spatial integration of ancient towns

The integration is considered as the most important data parameter in the spatial syntax method because it represents the potential of a certain spatial unit to attract the traffic flow, which can be used as a standard to measure the reachability within the whole space. Integration core refers to the first 10%, 25% or 50% of all data, which is considered the most integrated spatial composition mode and an expression of spatial network density. Because the spatial extent of Xixing ancient town is not large and complex as the city network, 10% of the data was used for its study. Moreover, it predicts crowd aggregation when a certain spatial unit of the whole space system is described as a goal space. In terms of the data presentation of integration, the more powerful and warmer the color is, the higher integration it represents. On the contrary, the lower integration it represents, the less powerful and colder the color is [26].

First, the core reserve area of the Xixing ancient town is analyzed using the axis analysis method with the DepthMap software. The canal is calculated as part of the road network and excluded from the road network before the results are obtained and compared. Consequently, the area with the highest integration in the core reserve area of the ancient town is obtained to examine the canal’s potential impact on the transportation accessibility of the core reserve area of the ancient town. As shown, if the canal is excluded from the road network and calculated accordingly, the region with the highest global integration is represented by red, and the degree decreases as the color sequence is indicated by red, yellow, green, and blue. If the Zhedong canal is marked as the axis, on the north side of the canal, the integration reaches the peak from the “Tielingguan of Guanhe road to the middle and rear section of the Guling road,” whereas on the south side of the canal, the integration reaches the peak around the middle and rear section of the Xixing street and the Guling road that is in the vertical relationship with the Xixing street. Considering the Guling road as the boundary, the degree ranges between 0.382 and 1.305, and the integration of the west side of the ancient town is generally estimated higher than that of the east side. On the contrary, the lowest integration in the ancient town is observed on the southern part of Xixing street where a large number of residential buildings exist with dense lanes and poor accessibility.

When the canal is included and calculated as the road network, since the river ports and public docks on both sides also participate in the calculation, which leads to a higher connection between the two sides of the canal, the highest integration in the ancient town is observed from the Tielingguan of the Guanhe road to the middle and rear section of the Guling road on the northern side of the canal. On the southern side of the canal, the Guanhe road and the canal area are marked with the highest integration. Considering the Guling road as the boundary, the integration on the east side of the Guanhe road is also higher than that when the canal is not included in the calculation, and the degree ranges from 0.387 to 1.451(see Fig 4).The comparative analysis can be concluded as follows. (1) Regardless of the participation of the Zhedong canal in the calculation as part of the road network, the area with the highest integration is always located on both sides of the canal, which indicates the constancy and stability of the core area of the ancient town. (2) The canal played an important role in the accessibility and connectivity of the core space of the ancient town in the past when the waterway was used as the major traffic approach. (3) As the transportation mode changes, the core of the integration is transferred from the middle section of the canal to the Guling road, which connects the external roads of the ancient town, and the core area of the ancient town is more closely connected with the urban roads.

Fig 4 — (a) Canal is excluded; (b) Canal is included (Drawn by the authors).

Within the scope of planning control, when the canal is included in the calculation (Fig 3), the area with high integration moves from the Guanhe road and the Xixing street (from Tielingguan to the middle section of the Guling road) to the Gulin road, Qingnian road, and some segments of the Gutang road. In fact, the highest integration area of the canal still remains from Tielingguan to the middle section of the Guling road, and the degree ranges from 0.433 to 1.710. If the canal is not included in the calculation, the value decreases from 0.432 to 1.669 (see Fig 5). By comparing the spatial integration of the core area and the planning control area of the ancient town, it is observed that (1) as the calculation area expands, the spatial integration is overall improved in the ancient town—the living streets and river-side markets are gradually transferred from the internal roads to the external trunk roads connecting the city, which increases the accessibility and the connection with urban traffic; (2) the canal, being the axis and the road network in either the core protection area or the planning control area, exerts a great impact on the integration of the ancient town.

Fig 5 — (a) Canal is excluded; (b) Canal is included (Drawn by the authors).

Through the comparative analysis of the charts and graphs, we can draw the following conclusions: Firstly, at two different spatial scales, independent of the presence of the Zhedong canal in the road network, the areas with the highest degree of integration are always located on both sides of the canal, indicating the stability of the core area of the ancient town. Secondly, after the canal was added to the core protection area, the integration degree was much higher than that without the canal, which indicates that on a small scale, the canal had a higher degree of control over the spatial structure of the ancient town. Thirdly, when the spatial scale is extended to the planning control area, independent of, including the canal for calculation, the value of integration degree does not change significantly, but the overall degree of spatial integration of the ancient town is improved. Thus, it can be concluded that on a large scale, the living streets and street markets along the canal in the ancient town gradually shifted from internal roads to external major roads connecting the new urban areas, increasing the accessibility and connection with urban traffic (see Table 1).

Table 1. Analysis on integration of ancient towns (Drawn by the authors).

Region/Keyword	Canal is excluded/Parameter	Canal is included/Parameter
Core Protection Area	Mean 0.878	Mean 0.988
	Max 1.305	Max 1.451
	Min 0.382	Min 0.387
Planning Control Area	Mean 1.006	Mean 1.074
	Max 1.669	Max 1.710
	Min 0.432	Min 0.433

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4.2 Configuration features of the Xixing ancient town and urban road network

As shown in Fig 4, a buffer zone of 3 km within the planning control range is included in the calculation of the global integration in order to better investigate the spatial topological relationship between ancient town streets and urban road networks. The global integration refers to the accessibility of a single space in the whole space system when the overall system space is considered [27]. On the graph of the global integration, where “r” is equal to “n,” the average global integration of the Xixing ancient town is 1.042, and the maximum global integration is 1.763 (see Fig 6). It can be concluded that the core of the integration of the Xixing ancient town includes the areas, including the Beitang road, the Bin’an road, the Xixing road, and the Guling road (the top 5% roads with the integration from high to low). The above-mentioned roads have the highest accessibility and better ability to attract the traffic flow. From the perspective of the functionality, the Bin’an road, as the main road of the Xixing ancient town, is the intersection of the ground traffic and the underground traffic by connecting Hangzhou Metro Line 1. However, the main business district and the agricultural and sideline product market of the Xixing ancient town are the locations that are enclosed by the Guling road, the Beitang road, and the Xixing road. These areas, although with lower accessibility and integration, are easy to form a quiet environment, such as residential quarters and schools.

According to the space syntax theory, the maximum and average values of the global integration, respectively, represent the accessibility of the foreground network and the background network in the whole space. The larger the value is, the better the accessibility is. The foreground network of the Xixing ancient town (the top 20% roads with the highest integration value) is located in the main traffic trunk roads of the city, such as the Jiangling road, the Xixing road, and the Beitang road. The Guling road that possesses the highest integration is considered the most accessible area of the Xixing ancient town [28].

4.3 Local integration degree of the Xixing ancient town

The local integration represents the space steps required to reach the nearby space from a certain space. The R3 local integration refers to the total number of spatial scales that can be achieved with three spatial steps. The higher local integration means more space scale that can be obtained, which reflects the aggregation of space in the localized scale [29].

By using the DepthMap software, the local integration of R3 is obtained, and the average value is about 1.527, and the maximum value is 3.218. As shown in Fig 5, the streets with the highest R3 integration are observed around the major streets of the Xixing town, such as Jiangling road, Bin’an road, Xixing road, and Binkang road, and these streets connect the major functional areas and the main urban trunk roads of the city. On the contrary, the streets with lower R3 integration are the areas such as residential and educational blocks that are tranquil but poor in gathering the crowd (see Fig 7).

By analyzing the characteristics of the R3 local integration, the integration is centrally located in the trunk roads such as Jiangling road, Bin’an road, Xixing road, and Fengqing avenue, which connect the external traffic and the main internal roads of the ancient town.

The general integration degree of the whole area expanding 3 kilometers outward from planning control area and the local integration degree of the planning control area were compared to analyze the road network in the ancient town. It was concluded that on a larger scale, the ancient town is more closely connected with the urban road network system than the inner adjacent streets and lanes. The main roads in the cities are important as they lay the foundation for the integration of ancient towns into cities and for better sustainable development (see Table 2).

Table 2. Analysis on the integration of ancient town and city (Drawn by the authors).

Area	Keyword	Data
The Whole Area Expanding 3 km Outward from Planning Control Area	Global Integration Degree	Mean 1.042
		Max 1.763
		Min 0.460
	Local Integration Degree	Mean 1.527
		Max 3.218
		Min 0.333

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4.4 The choice of the Xixing ancient town

In space syntax theory, the choice represents the potential of space to be traversed in the whole unit. The greater choice means, the greater potential to be traversed [30]. The value of the choice shown in Fig 6 indicates an obvious disparity between the foreground and the background road network of the town. The street with the highest choice appears in the Guling road, and the other high values are observed in the Xixing road and the Bin’an road that are the major roads connecting the urban space of the ancient town and they belong to the foreground road network of the town. Inside the ancient town, the Xixing street and the Guanhe road show a higher choice value, which means they have greater potential to be traversed as a first choice (see Fig 8, see Table 3).

Table 3. Analysis on the choice of ancient town and city (Drawn by the authors).

Area	Keyword	Data
The Whole Area Expanding 3 km Outward from Planning Control Area	Choice	Mean 2876.77
		Max 91466
		Min 0

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Actually, Xixing street and the Guanhe road are quite friendly and mostly used by pedestrians since their width is about 1.5–3.5 m. However, several urban foreground roads are designed as two-way roads with four lanes, which are used for the transportation between cities and towns. Considering the Guling road as an example, the safety of vehicles and people is ensured by adding guardrails and dividers between them. As compared to the calculated results of the local choice, the value of the global choice resembles that of the local choice, which indicates an unobvious difference in the traffic distribution; thus, making it useless to design alternatively for pedestrians and vehicles, so the original traffic planning and the management system are still operational.

4.5 The intelligibility of the Xixing ancient town

In the intelligibility graph, the abscissa x represents the connection value, the ordinate y represents the global integration, the oblique line represents the trend line, and R² represents the fitting. According to mathematical statistics, the higher the R² value is, the more accurate the regression line is in predicting the actual situation of the scatter diagram. Generally speaking, when R² is below 0.5, it shows a relatively low intelligibility. When R² is above 0.5, the intelligibility of the relative space is relatively high. As indicated in Fig 7, the value of intelligibility R² is 0.255, which is far less than the measurement value of 0.5. When the value in the figure is accurately examined, it can be noted that most of the street segments are located in the end space of the street or the remote end of the road space, which are rarely located in the street space with much convenience, thus leading to an unfavorable accommodation between the partial space and the whole space, which makes the space lacking in clarity (see Fig 9).

Presently, the streets and alleys in the Xixing historical district have not been spatially updated and arranged. With regard to intelligibility, different levels of streets, lanes, and alleys in the ancient town are observed with low connectivity, and the streets and alleys are often seen with dead ends. Consequently, it is noted, based on this phenomenon, that modern asphalt streets (core areas of the block) show a higher integration, and a lower integration is observed in the internal roads of historical blocks (blind areas of the block). This kind of spatial structure not only affects the tourists’ perception and recognition of space but also hinders the convenient transportation of local residents and breaks up the connection with the urban space.

5. Results

Based on the theory and method of spatial syntax, this paper studied the spatial and topological configuration of streets and lanes in Xixing ancient town and its spatial organization relationship with the urban system. The study reveals that when the ancient town is placed on a larger urban scale, the area with the best integration and accessibility of the ancient town changes on both sides of the canal to the intersection space and urban road network. Specifically, to realize the living and sustainable development of the ancient town, and additionally to renew the space and function of the ancient town itself, it is necessary to incorporate, the ancient town into the urban system and maintain its continuity and connectivity with the urban space. Moreover, the evaluation and prediction of spatial syntax can help the ancient town better realize the improvement of average land sharing, commercial distribution, public facilities layout and other aspects in the practice of protection and development.

6. Discussion

A comparison of satellite maps of ancient towns from the late 1960s with those from the 1920s show that the water system and road network around the canal increased in the recent years. The areas with high integration and accessibility of ancient towns gradually extended from the inner streets of towns to the urban streets, but the ancient town’s core area remained on both sides of the canal. This type of isolated self-development of ancient towns with canals is easy to cause the splitting of the towns and urban space. This does not respond well to the concept that the residential settlement of ancient towns with canals should be taken as integral protection of ancient town groups that was proposed in the Outline of Planning for the Conservation, Inheritance, and Utilization of Grand Canal Culture. Specifically, to realize the sustainable development of ancient towns, the endogenous resilience of ancient towns and the synergistic integration with cities should be fully considered.

Based on the parametric calculation of spatial syntax, combined with the existing spatial morphological characteristics of Xixing ancient town, the following three strategies are proposed.

6.1 The optimization of links with Urban space systems

Ancient towns with canals belong to medium and small-scale space compared to urban space. To build a 3 kilometers wide transition buffer between Xixing ancient town and the urban space network which would act as a coordination zone, The setting up of this area should focus on optimizing the connection between the ancient town with canals and the urban transportation system, evenly distributing the land usage, completing the functional industries, so as to promote the better integration and development of the ancient town with the urban area, and stimulate the sustainable endogenous forces.

6.2 Establishment of a multi-level transportation system composed of vehicle and pedestrian

For the renewal of the space of streets and alleys in the ancient towns with canals, the first step is to establish a scientific small-scale spatial transportation system for the residential blocks. At the intersection of ancient towns and urban roads, on the basis of conforming to the living style of modern people, the density distribution of various levels of entrances and exits, branches, roadways, and other modes of travel should be rationally arranged. The second is the connection with the urban road network system. Three-dimensional transportation network can be constructed on the existing basis, including public parking lot, small tourist centers, and other transportation facilities, including setting in the coordination zone to increase the quick connection between the ancient town and the city. Third, to scientifically solve the mixed traffic mode of motor vehicles and various non-motor vehicles. Appropriate parking areas for motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles can be set up within the planning control area of the ancient town to facilitate the residents of the ancient town and to better achieve the traffic synergy at different levels of the ancient town. Furthermore, in order to restore the liveliness of the landscape and public space in Xixing ancient town, it is necessary to consolidate the fragmented space, construct the landscape and safety areas required for the implementation of these activities, and improve the quality of life and attraction for investment in the area [31].

6.3 Construction of the adaptive mode of the integration of living environment and business space

In different historical periods, ancient towns with canals evolved in accordance with the requirements of economic and social development. For the ancient towns with canals where business model is updated, the characteristics of commercial spatial distribution along streets and rivers are effectively analyzed. Regression analysis of spatial data such as the number of commercial entities on each street segment, the area, area width, depth of single building and spatial syntax parameters is carried out. The analysis can be used to quantify and predict the commercial distribution after the update of the street network. For Xixing ancient town, on the one hand, it can using Baidu POI data, the distribution of two commercial functions on the scale of residential blocks is attempted. One is to analyze the commercial distribution data of street sections through the commercial flow analysis method. In view of the total amount of all kinds of commercial entities in spite of their forms within the street segments, the regression analysis method is used to explore the relationship between the amount and various parameters of space syntax. The second is to focus on the spatial distribution rule of a specific commercial form, especially the distribution of commercial convenience. The average distance and road accessibility grade of the distribution of this specific business form are used for statistical analysis. Through this, the distribution of community service functions can be increased.On the other hand, in order to create historical and cultural blocks, digitalization and smart-city approaches can be integrated into the governance of space to establish a sustainable development model of tourism town space [32], which is also an effective means to realize the space revival of Xixing ancient town.

7. Conclusion and expectations

Based on the theory and method of spatial syntax, this paper studied the spatial and topological configuration of streets and lanes in Xixing ancient town and its spatial organization relationship with the urban system. The study reveals that when the ancient town is placed on a larger urban scale, the area with the best integration and accessibility of the ancient town changes on both sides of the canal to the intersection space and urban road network. This conclusion can be used to guide the practices of protection and renewal of the ancient towns with canals in China. Specifically, to realize the sustainable development of the ancient town, and additionally renew the space and function of the ancient town itself, it is necessary to incorporate it into the urban system and maintain its continuity and connectivity with the urban space. Moreover, the evaluation and prediction of spatial syntax can help the ancient town better realize the improvement of average land sharing, commercial distribution, public facilities layout and other aspects in the practice of protection and development.

So far, this research can continue to make progress in terms of the breadth of perspectives and the depth of analysis. In future research, the ancient canal towns with different scales, spatial forms, and protection and development modes can be evenly compared. In addition, the development and integration of multiple methods will also help us to understand the ancient canal town space in depth. The focus of the study can be placed on the ancient towns along the Zhedong canal, thereby realizing the protection and renewal of the ancient towns through the strategy of “harmony in difference”.

Supporting information

S1 File

(DOCX)

Click here for additional data file.^{(12.6KB, docx)}

S1 Data

(CSV)

Click here for additional data file.^{(127.7KB, csv)}

S2 Data

(CSV)

Click here for additional data file.^{(166.8KB, csv)}

S3 Data

(CSV)

Click here for additional data file.^{(219.4KB, csv)}

Acknowledgments

This research model was completed with the assistance and cooperation of Wang Bing. I would like to express my thanks.

Data Availability

All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

Funding Statement

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. This research was funded by Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Science Fund 2019 (Grant Number: 19NDQN353YB) and Humanities and Social Sciences Youth Foundation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (Grant Number: 22YJCZH161).

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PLoS One. 2023 Jan 6;18(1):e0279979. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r001

Author response to previous submission

1 Jul 2022

Attachment

Submitted filename: Response Letter.doc

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PLoS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r002

Decision Letter 0

Dragan Pamucar

18 Jul 2022

PONE-D-22-18649Study on the Sustainable Renewal Strategy of Ancient Towns with Canals on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient TownPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Wang,

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Reviewer #1: Partly

Reviewer #2: No

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: No

Reviewer #3: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: This paper discusses the spatial syntax to analyze the topological structure of roads and alleys in the ancient city of Xixing in the Zhedong canal as a case object. I think this topic is interesting regard to most situations in urban development. But this paper should be improved in order to publishing requirement in the international journal. Specific comments are noted below:

1. Authors(s) already provided the abstract’s content (the purpose/background, method used, results). However, please provide clear methods on the studies that have been conducted. Please make it short and sharp. In addition, I recommend writing a clear statement about methodology. It is not necessary to write the steps of the method, but briefly explain the method used, analysis, and tools used. Write the keywords in alphabetical order.

2. In the initial paragraph in the introduction the problem is less clear from the author's point of view. It should refer after summarizing some of the results from the existing references. Some sentences that need to be corrected such as "...As a result, how to conduct innovative research on the space protection and vitality renewal of ancient towns with canals in the new historical period has become an important topic for the continuity and long-term development of those ancient towns in the modern era…” Further explanation is needed in this statement. The introduction is something that explains the contents of the entire manuscript. I suggest entering the contribution section in the introduction (contribution is part of introduction). Make the sentences flow and adjust the sentence by referring to the reference described in the initial paragraph in the introduction.

3. Did you mean Yoshinobu Ashihara? (line 77).

4. Literature review is a section that explains the basis of the study conducted. It is necessary to explain which parts of the reference are used in the methodology and then used to carry out the analysis. How the author(s) explains this into the methodology is important. It is highly recommended to summarize each part of the literature review by relating it to the research topic being carried out. State at the end of each paragraph each literature review (lines 90, 104, and 127).

5. Paper for international journals will be read by readers who do not understand the location, so give information in the form of maps of Xixing, China, and which parts of China are studied.

6. Explain with a statement at the end of the discussion section that explains the analysis of the discussion that has been described. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish which part of the results and which part of the discussion. Make it in its own part.

7. Conclusion is the answer to the question asked in the introduction. So, the conclusion in this article should answer what is being questioned. Need to do a sharper explanation is actually what problems to be answered. In my opinion, there is no conclusion and it is too long for conclusion section, but it is also necessary to answer that should be at the end of the introduction. Please avoid writing conclusions in points, make in paragraph sentences. Two to three paragraphs for the conclusion section are sufficient.

8. Each figure requires a caption and explanation in the image, for example adding text to the captured image calculation from DepthMap.

9. In general, systematics in writing of scientific articles is Introduction, Literature review, Research Methods, Results and Discussion, and Conclusions. Systematics should be used in writing articles in this paper need to be improved.

This paper actually is an interesting topic to be raised; the author(s) tries to contribute the study regarding spatial syntax in the form of integration, choice, synergy, and clarity of streets and alleys, in order to obtain an update strategy and conclusions about the spatial vitality of a city. But this paper requires adjustment to the structure of a journal; it is necessary to follow the structure of the existing journal writing in general, so that the flow of writing becomes easy to understand.

Reviewer #2: Although the authors have attempted to address the reviewers' comments provided in the previous round of review, I still think the paper is far below the publishable standard for a top-tier journal. Critical issues to have addressed include:

1) The title of the paper is too wordy. It should have been revised.

2) The choice of the study area has not been well justified.

3) The paper is still not adequately referenced. For example, sources of information is missing for lines 136-148. References are also needed for lines 165-166. Many other places in the paper have missing references.

4) A clear conceptual framework for the research is missing in the paper.

5) The theme of the paper should rest on renewal of ancient towns. However, the literature review does not cover much literature related to that area.

6) Why was the "space syntax theory" chosen? Why not other theories or models?

7) What are the limitations of the research? How do these limitations affect the interpretations of the research findings?

8) The paper has a lot typos and grammatical errors. The authors should have the paper proofread by a professional English writer before submission.

Reviewer #3: The manuscript deals with an interesting research topic, having a well organized but poorly addressed research study. Therefore, there is room for significant methodological, morphological, and argumentation improvements to be made, prior it to be accepted for publication at the PLOS ONE journal. To this end the following review comments can be considered.

1)A rough estimation of chronological flash-back to the century of the Xixing ancient town’ foundation, it can be provided in the Abstract section (in approximate century B.C.).

2)In case of some input data or results derived from the analysis, then, a selected and representative portion of them they can be collectively denoted in Abstract section, enabling a more precise representation of the relevant analysis and findings in the Abstract extract, accordingly.

3)At the Introduction section authors are recommended to reorganize the relevant theoretical coverage into two distinct and separated subsections, relevant to two subsections/subheadings of: a) Geographical overview of ancient towns in China and b) Chronological overview of ancients towns establishment and evolution to the today Chinese context. The spatial characteristics approached in section 2. Literature Review are well organized. However, a missing information of both narratives of sections Introduction, Literature Review is that there is absolutely missing numerical information-outcomes that could be collectively represented in the form of a Table at the end of section 2. There is not need authors to recall the narrative statements, but to enrich them with numerical information fitting to the already, or to-be-developed, subsections of main sections 1 and 2. These data of 8-10 citations are adequate.

4)At the Methodology section authors are recommended to briefly represent the land uses of the ancient town examined, in terms of: a) agricultural zone and area occupied (in km^2, or as percentage of the total area of the town), urban zones: pedestrian, streets and lanes (in km^2, or as percentage of the total area of the town), irrigation system and rainfall profile (in mm), domesticated area.

5)In my opinion the heading/section of “Research Design” it is part of the Methodology section, thus, it can be transferred in it, accordingly. Besides, the main frame of headings should be only that of (adding those main headings, where missing): 1. Introduction, 2. Literature Review, 3. Methodology, 4. Results, 5. Discussion, 6. Conclusions and Future Research Orientations. Then, other main headings can be degraded to subheadings’ relocated into the aforementioned headings-frame. Moreover, starting from the 1. Introduction and end to 6. Conclusions and Future Research Orientations section, all embodied subheadings can be titled as: 1.1, 1.2, ……., 2.1, 2.2, …..3.1, 3.2, ….., 4.1, ….4.2, ……., in successive order and numbering, not to be plenary given.

6)At the Discussion section should be reorganized focusing on the today reflections and commercial commitments/services offered, in alignment with the stated research objective: “spatial data such as the number of commercial entities on each street segment, the area, area width, depth of single building and spatial syntax parameters is carried out”. To this end the following key-determinants can be briefly outlined: a) visiting the ancient towns in China, as an inseparable part of the today tourism industry, b) commercial, manufacturing and industrial activities and products/goods’ offered, c) the role of technology in the main community uses: agricultural sector, irrigation technologies, manufacturing and public services accommodated, d) role of governmental policies and motivations scheduled in supporting the ancient towns heritage, protection, and development of related to infrastructure at the nearby, to ancient towns, areas in China. To this end the “Further Discussion”:

-It can be detached, “upgraded as main section”, and presented as separated “Discussion” section, since it contains purely argumentative statements, though all of them have to be accompanied by cross-citations that are currently missing.

-It can be accompanied by numerical information, data, quantitative results, enabling a more precise and comprehensive “guidance” of research outcomes, proposals, and recommendations to areas and contexts of the same research- and spatial- characteristics to be derived and applied.

7)Since Figures and all subfigures of 2 up to 6 are graphically liking to each other, it is highly recommended authors to either provide a more detailed information/interpretation of the comparing and contrasting them, revealing what are the distinct characteristics from the one subfigure to the other one. To this end authors can update these graphs by adding indicators of presentation in the form of arrows into these maps, it could be highly supportive and recommended.

8)There is a long arrangement of numbers of 6 or more decimal digits and fluctuated precision, like that of lines 205, 217, 229-230, but also in Tables data. Therefore, revising and fixing the precision of all data to only 3 decimal digits it is highly recommended for the scopes of this manuscript.

9)Figure 7 can be presented in a white-coloured background, in better visual contrast with the trend-line dots to be achieved.

10)Literature enrichment with more and relevant published papers it is recommended, thus, checking and citing among the below listed studies, where missing and where matching to the revised manuscript, it can be undertaken.

Scopus

EXPORT DATE:12 Jul 2022

Wang, Z., Zhang, H., Yang, X., Li, G.

36469470000;57373042100;57373940300;57373581900;

Neighborhood streets as places of older adults’ active travel and social interaction – A study in Daokou ancient town

(2022) Journal of Transport and Health, 24, art. no. 101309, . Cited 1 time.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85121263625&doi=10.1016%2fj.jth.2021.101309&partnerID=40&md5=708e7f95f3c811844c51f5b25830e74f

DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2021.101309

AFFILIATIONS: Department of Architecture, Henan University, Kaifeng, China;

Department of Architecture, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China;

Department of Architecture, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

Manakina, A., Nikolaeva, V.

56134235500;57218826705;

Formation of sustainable development of bicycle and pedestrian zones in a modern city

(2020) IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 890 (1), art. no. 012179, .

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85090348649&doi=10.1088%2f1757-899X%2f890%2f1%2f012179&partnerID=40&md5=c0bf49b51025943e083d8eaf6c93b826

DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/890/1/012179

AFFILIATIONS: Industrial University, Tyumen, 625000, Russian Federation

Yu, X., Ma, S., Cheng, K., Kyriakopoulos, G.L.

53865793000;57218326388;57218326647;6603382498;

An evaluation system for sustainable urban space development based in green urbanism principles-a case study based on the Qin-Ba mountain area in China

(2020) Sustainability (Switzerland), 12 (14), art. no. 5703, . Cited 24 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85088828018&doi=10.3390%2fsu12145703&partnerID=40&md5=f4c407b3b707d7b77b1350577b4e98e5

DOI: 10.3390/su12145703

AFFILIATIONS: School of Architecture, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710061, China;

Electric Power Division, Photometry Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, 15780, Greece

ABSTRACT: Since the 20th century, the deterioration of the ecological environment around the world has challenged urban space construction. With the development of urbanization, the consumption of resources and energy has increased, the level of biodiversity has decreased, environmental pollution is approaching the critical level, and the contradiction between human habitat activity and ecological environment has become increasingly prominent. The sustainable development of urban space along with its economic and social benefits, taking into account the quality of life and ecological environment, has become a new and important subject that needs to be explored. In this study, the indices of the evaluation system for sustainable urban spatial development in regions with underdeveloped economies but rich in ecological resources are arranged in sequence through the systematic coupling analysis of collaborative evaluation information and a quantitative analysis. The influences of urban space elements on sustainable urban development are disclosed. On the basis of the generated data, an evaluation system for sustainable urban spatial development with a complete set of information is proposed. The proposed system is applicable to urban spatial development evaluation in regions in China with underdeveloped economies but rich in ecological capital. First, the basic concept of system coupling is introduced, and a coupling relationship between urban sustainable development and urban space is proposed. Second, the elements of urban space and the sustainable development in the Qin-Ba mountain area are extracted, and the precedence diagram method is used to construct a sustainable evaluation system for urban space development in the Qin-Ba mountain area. Third, the sustainable evaluation process of urban spatial development is proposed. Finally, the sustainable evaluation system for urban spatial development in the Qin-Ba mountain area is applied to evaluate the urban spatial development in Shangluo, Qin-Ling Mountains, China. The results show that, among the investigated 14 indicators, the proportion of industrial land use mainly influences sustainable urban spatial development. As for the rest of the index factors, per capita green land area and green coverage ratio of built-up areas, per capita urban construction land area, proportion of forestry area, greening rate of built-up areas, total industrial dust emission density, proportion of cultivated area, and average volume fraction of residential areas are the secondary influencing factors of sustainable urban spatial development. The evaluation system in this research is constructed with the three aspects of "green coordination", "green development", and "green sustainability" of sustainable urban spatial development, and it complements the evaluation contents of urban-rural ecological space coordination, land resource protection, and green development community, and so on...............

Nomura, R., Shan, S., Mori, S.

57191923705;57204313367;37112638600;

Analyzing spatial structure of traditional houses in old towns with tourism development and its transformation toward sustainable development of residential environments in hexia old town, in China

(2018) Sustainability (Switzerland), 10 (10), art. no. 3809, . Cited 6 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85055187483&doi=10.3390%2fsu10103809&partnerID=40&md5=69acac765079e477ed50bff363e6ac4c

DOI: 10.3390/su10103809

AFFILIATIONS: Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan;

Shanghai Urban Construction Design and Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 200125, China

ABSTRACT: This study elucidates the spatial structure of traditional houses, and its transformation toward sustainable development of residential environments in old towns that are currently the focus of tourism development initiatives. Hexia old town in Huai'an District, China, was chosen for this study involving a field survey, questionnaire survey, and interviews. Data analysis identified three periods of residential transformation and three patterns of the residential transformation process. In all cases, there was low awareness of building conservation measures and lack of tourism development by the government, which has translated into ongoing residential transformations according to the demands of daily life. However, in the interests of tourism development, some businesses have started making use of vacant residences and traditional homes, and the relative proximity to work and home imply sustainability of residents' lifestyles under these conditions. .............

Dičiunaite-Rauktiene, R., Gurskiene, V., Burinskiene, M., Maliene, V.

57201215996;8963424300;10040854900;24332653600;

The usage and perception of pedestrian zones in Lithuanian Cities: Multiple Criteria and comparative analysis

(2018) Sustainability (Switzerland), 10 (3), art. no. 818, . Cited 9 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044007619&doi=10.3390%2fsu10030818&partnerID=40&md5=e9d368d976fc11b7515f76720018ed38

DOI: 10.3390/su10030818

AFFILIATIONS: Institute of Land Management and Geomatics, Faculty ofWater and Land Management, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Studentu 11, Akademija, Kaunas distr., LT-53361, Lithuania;

Road Department, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Sauletekio ave. 11, Vilnius, LT-10223, Lithuania;

Department of the Built Environment, The Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Research Institute, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom

ABSTRACT: As pedestrian zones are public spaces in urban areas, they are important in terms of meeting people's needs. However, it is worth noting that attention should be paid not only to the development of the physical infrastructure, but also to a sustainable balance between the socio-economic and environmental aspects. To guide urban planning and management initiatives towards more sustainable patterns, it is essential to re-examine the already existing characteristics of cities, establishing how they are used and perceived by inhabitants. The present research suggests environmental, economic and social criteria that determine a greater vitality of pedestrian zones in cities and better life quality for the inhabitants. A questionnaire survey was used to assess common attitudes regarding the research topic in major cities in Lithuania. The multiple criteria decision-making COPRAS (COmplex PRoportional ASsessment) method was used for the formation of a priority queue. ...............

Yang, F.

36607241700;

Investigating wintertime pedestrian wind environment and user perception in dense residential neighbourhood in a city of hot-summer and cold-winter climate zone, China

(2017) Indoor and Built Environment, 26 (3), pp. 392-408. Cited 3 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018181386&doi=10.1177%2f1420326X15620257&partnerID=40&md5=3afd66a42594b9f0e83e188c3d22fbdc

DOI: 10.1177/1420326X15620257

AFFILIATIONS: College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP), Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China;

Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-Saving Study of Dense Habitat, Tongji University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China

ABSTRACT: Urban wind environment could have an impact on pedestrian's comfort and safety, as well as pollution dispersion and building energy consumption. For cities in the hot-summer and cold-winter climate zone of China, a proper design residential neighbourhoods is important to facilitate urban ventilation in hot and transient seasons and to protect users from strong winds in cold season. This paper reports the results of field measurements and a questionnaire survey in a large residential development with three different types of housings. Micrometeorology measurement was carried out at the pedestrian height level as well as at a rooftop reference station. Pedestrians' subjective perception on wind and thermal comfort was recorded through a guided interview and questionnaire survey during the measurement. The measured wind velocity ratio is highest in the long-linear high-rise building layout, and is the lowest in the mid-rise linear building layout. Eight-seven per cent of respondents felt fairly comfortable living in the long-linear high-rise building layout, only 7% less than the mid-rise building layout. ...........

Guo, W., Meng, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, N.

57199262830;57194581397;57194584688;57194582523;

Spatial development model of sustainable tourism town based on smart city

(2017) Agro Food Industry Hi-Tech, 28 (1), pp. 853-857.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020975732&partnerID=40&md5=01cbd36b08a8a0f2ca20ec0ff56d3c2e

AFFILIATIONS: School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Institute of Modern Tourism Industry and Organization Development, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China;

School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China

ABSTRACT: With the strong support of the rapid development of Internet. "Intelligent" and "Wisdom" has become an important direction for the development of various industries. Smart city integrates the policy design and practice innovation in the three areas of urbanization, industrialization and information technology, which is the focus of China's new round of economic development. Therefore, the spatial development model of sustainable tourism town based on smart city was studied in this paper. On the basis of brief introduction of relevant theories and concepts, the sustainable development model is established based on practical demonstration to discuss the future spatial development and planning model of tourism towns. ..................

**********

6. PLOS authors have the option to publish the peer review history of their article (what does this mean?). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

Reviewer #3: Yes: Dr. Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos

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PLoS One. 2023 Jan 6;18(1):e0279979. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r003

Author response to Decision Letter 0

11 Oct 2022

Dear Editor，

We are truly grateful to yours and other reviewers’ critical comments and thoughtful suggestions on our manuscript(Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town).

Based on these comments and suggestions, we have made careful modifications on

the original manuscript. All changes made to the text are in blue color. We hope the new manuscript will meet your journal’s standard. Below you will find our point-by-point

responses to the reviewers’ comments/ questions. We hope that these revisions are

satisfactory and that the revised version will be acceptable for publication in PLOS ONE journal.

Thank you very much for your work concerning our paper. Wish you all the best!

Review comments for the manuscript: PONE-D-22-18649

Study on the Sustainable Renewal Strategy of Ancient Towns with Canals on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town

The manuscript deals with an interesting research topic, having a well organized but poorly addressed research study. Therefore, there is room for significant methodological, morphological, and argumentation improvements to be made, prior it to be accepted for publication at the PLOS ONE journal. To this end the following review comments can be considered.

1) A rough estimation of chronological flash-back to the century of the Xixing ancient town’ foundation, it can be provided in the Abstract section (in approximate century B.C.).

Response: The historical background of Xixing ancient town has been replenished into the Abstract section.

2) In case of some input data or results derived from the analysis, then, a selected and representative portion of them they can be collectively denoted in Abstract section, enabling a more precise representation of the relevant analysis and findings in the Abstract extract, accordingly.

Response: In the Abstract section, the reflection and analysis of this study has been strengthened, and the innovation points have been refined and clarified.

3) At the Introduction section authors are recommended to reorganize the relevant theoretical coverage into two distinct and separated subsections, relevant to two subsections/subheadings of: a) Geographical overview of ancient towns in China and b) Chronological overview of ancients towns establishment and evolution to the today Chinese context. The spatial characteristics approached in section 2. Literature Review are well organized. However, a missing information of both narratives of sections Introduction, Literature Review is that there is absolutely missing numerical information-outcomes that could be collectively represented in the form of a Table at the end of section 2. There is not need authors to recall the narrative statements, but to enrich them with numerical information fitting to the already, or to-be-developed, subsections of main sections 1 and these data of 8-10 citations are adequate.

Response: We have conscientiously read the literature recommended by reviewers and have drawn on relevant content and methods, some of which have been discussed in the literature review and included in the Reference, and some have been adopted in the strategic perspective. At the same time, the relevant pictures are appended for the comparison between the past and the present in Xixing ancient town, and the research reflection is put forward for the existing problems.

4) At the Methodology section authors are recommended to briefly represent the land uses of the ancient town examined, in terms of: a) agricultural zone and area occupied (in km^2, or as percentage of the total area of the town), urban zones: pedestrian, streets and lanes (in km^2, or as percentage of the total area of the town), irrigation system and rainfall profile (in mm), domesticated area.

Response: The quota of land use for buldings within the core protection area and the planning control area of Xixing ancient town have been added in Section 3.1 of the article.

5) In my opinion the heading/section of “Research Design” it is part of the Methodology section, thus, it can be transferred in it, accordingly. Besides, the main frame of headings should be only that of (adding those main headings, where missing): 1. Introduction, 2. Literature Review, 3. Methodology, 4. Results, 5. Discussion, 6. Conclusions and Future Research Orientations. Then, other main headings can be degraded to subheadings’ relocated into the aforementioned headings-frame. Moreover, starting from the 1. Introduction and end to 6. Conclusions and Future Research Orientations section, all embodied subheadings can be titled as: 1.1, 1.2, ……., 2.1, 2.2, …..3.1, 3.2, ….., 4.1, ….4.2, ……., in successive order and numbering, not to be plenary given.

Response: The structure of the article has been adjusted accordingly, especially in the Conclusions section.

6) At the Discussion section should be reorganized focusing on the today reflections and commercial commitments/services offered, in alignment with the stated research objective: “spatial data such as the number of commercial entities on each street segment, the area, area width, depth of single building and spatial syntax parameters is carried out”. To this end the following key-determinants can be briefly outlined: a) visiting the ancient towns in China, as an inseparable part of the today tourism industry, b) commercial, manufacturing and industrial activities and products/goods’ offered, c) the role of technology in the main community uses: agricultural sector, irrigation technologies, manufacturing and public services accommodated, d) role of governmental policies and motivations scheduled in supporting the ancient towns heritage, protection, and development of related to infrastructure at the nearby, to ancient towns, areas in China. To this end the “Further Discussion”:

Response: In the Discussion section, we adopted the constructive comments of the reviewers to include the above suggestions to the discussion part, highlighting the new discoveries and summaries of this study.

7) Since Figures and all subfigures of 2 up to 6 are graphically liking to each other, it is highly recommended authors to either provide a more detailed information/interpretation of the comparing and contrasting them, revealing what are the distinct characteristics from the one subfigure to the other one. To this end authors can update these graphs by adding indicators of presentation in the form of arrows into these maps, it could be highly supportive and recommended.

Response: From Figure 2 to Figure 6, subfigures and description have been added and a chart comparison has been made in responding to the recommendation 8.

8) There is a long arrangement of numbers of 6 or more decimal digits and fluctuated precision, like that of lines 205, 217, 229-230, but also in Tables data. Therefore, revising and fixing the precision of all data to only 3 decimal digits it is highly recommended for the scopes of this manuscript.

Response: The parameters have been modified to 3 decimal places, and the charts have been added to facilitate identification and highlighting of the research focus.

9) Figure 7 can be presented in a white-coloured background, in better visual contrast with the trend-line dots to be achieved.

Response: Figure 7 has been modified.

10) Literature enrichment with more and relevant published papers it is recommended, thus, checking and citing among the below listed studies, where missing and where matching to the revised manuscript, it can be undertaken.

Response: Relevant literature has been supplemented and properly quoted in accordance with the recommendation of the reviewer.

Scopus

EXPORT DATE:12 Jul 2022

Wang, Z., Zhang, H., Yang, X., Li, G.

36469470000;57373042100;57373940300;57373581900;

Neighborhood streets as places of older adults’ active travel and social interaction – A study in Daokou ancient town

(2022) Journal of Transport and Health, 24, art. no. 101309, . Cited 1 time.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85121263625&doi=10.1016%2fj.jth.2021.101309&partnerID=40&md5=708e7f95f3c811844c51f5b25830e74f

DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2021.101309

AFFILIATIONS: Department of Architecture, Henan University, Kaifeng, China;

Department of Architecture, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China;

Department of Architecture, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Neighborhood streets are convenient places for older adults to engage in behaviors for active living, such as walking (active travel) and chatting with neighbors (social interaction). Street environments and older adults' active living in ancient towns need investigation. Taking Daokou ancient town in China as an example, this research observed older adults’ active travel and social interaction on two neighborhood streets and investigated the difference in social engagement between older-adult groups on different streets. Methods: On-site non-participant observation was conducted for four weekdays with seven 30-min sections per day. Data of 350 older adults’ active travel and social interaction on these streets were collected. Street environmental factors were measured and classified into four categories in terms of active-travel promotion: typology, motivators, functionality, and safety. To identify the differences in social engagement between the groups by street, one-way ANOVA tests were conducted after controlling for a significant confounding variable (daypart). Results: Among the older adults, the most popular type of active travel was independent walking (67%). Of their social interaction, the most popular types were staying and chatting (61%), group walking, and chess or card playing. On the street considered more age-friendly to active travel, older adults engaged in more social interaction in the mid-mornings and afternoons (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlighted older adults' active living on neighborhood streets in ancient towns. The findings can be used to create street affordances for older adults’ active travel and social interaction, and produce healthy outcomes through the refinement of design and transportation policies and practice on street intervention. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd

AUTHOR KEYWORDS: Active living; Aging; Environment; Health; Historic

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

PUBLICATION STAGE: Final

SOURCE: Scopus

Manakina, A., Nikolaeva, V.

56134235500;57218826705;

Formation of sustainable development of bicycle and pedestrian zones in a modern city

(2020) IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 890 (1), art. no. 012179, .

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85090348649&doi=10.1088%2f1757-899X%2f890%2f1%2f012179&partnerID=40&md5=c0bf49b51025943e083d8eaf6c93b826

DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/890/1/012179

AFFILIATIONS: Industrial University, Tyumen, 625000, Russian Federation

ABSTRACT: The article is devoted to the current theme of bicycle and pedestrian space development in the developing city, as well as to attracting residents to the landscaped parts of the city for active recreation. The authors consider various types of activity, the implementation of which requires landscaped and safe areas, as well as enumerate the positive aspects associated with the introduction of active recreation in the daily life of residents, therefore, improve the quality of life and increase investment attractiveness of the region. The aim of the study is to substantiate the significance for the city of Tyumen of the creation and combination of the cycling and pedestrian zones, which shall contribute to the welfare in the sphere of the active recreation of citizens. The methods of the study are the following: analysis of the population dynamics in the city of Tyumen, which affects the socio-economic development of the region; analysis of the structure of the central part of the city of Tyumen, indicating the lack of greenery; consideration of the option of bicycle lane placement near the street Dzerzhinsky city of Tyumen. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

AUTHOR KEYWORDS: cycle paths; cycling; ecology; gardening; pedestrian traffic; transport infrastructure

DOCUMENT TYPE: Conference Paper

PUBLICATION STAGE: Final

SOURCE: Scopus

Yu, X., Ma, S., Cheng, K., Kyriakopoulos, G.L.

53865793000;57218326388;57218326647;6603382498;

An evaluation system for sustainable urban space development based in green urbanism principles-a case study based on the Qin-Ba mountain area in China

(2020) Sustainability (Switzerland), 12 (14), art. no. 5703, . Cited 24 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85088828018&doi=10.3390%2fsu12145703&partnerID=40&md5=f4c407b3b707d7b77b1350577b4e98e5

DOI: 10.3390/su12145703

AFFILIATIONS: School of Architecture, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710061, China;

Electric Power Division, Photometry Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, 15780, Greece

AUTHOR KEYWORDS: City spatial development; Green coordination; Green development; Green sustainability; Sustainable evaluation system

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

PUBLICATION STAGE: Final

SOURCE: Scopus

Nomura, R., Shan, S., Mori, S.

57191923705;57204313367;37112638600;

Analyzing spatial structure of traditional houses in old towns with tourism development and its transformation toward sustainable development of residential environments in hexia old town, in China

(2018) Sustainability (Switzerland), 10 (10), art. no. 3809, . Cited 6 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85055187483&doi=10.3390%2fsu10103809&partnerID=40&md5=69acac765079e477ed50bff363e6ac4c

DOI: 10.3390/su10103809

AFFILIATIONS: Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan;

Shanghai Urban Construction Design and Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 200125, China

AUTHOR KEYWORDS: China; Living environment; Spatial structure; Tourism development; Traditional house

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

PUBLICATION STAGE: Final

SOURCE: Scopus

Dičiunaite-Rauktiene, R., Gurskiene, V., Burinskiene, M., Maliene, V.

57201215996;8963424300;10040854900;24332653600;

The usage and perception of pedestrian zones in Lithuanian Cities: Multiple Criteria and comparative analysis

(2018) Sustainability (Switzerland), 10 (3), art. no. 818, . Cited 9 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044007619&doi=10.3390%2fsu10030818&partnerID=40&md5=e9d368d976fc11b7515f76720018ed38

DOI: 10.3390/su10030818

AFFILIATIONS: Institute of Land Management and Geomatics, Faculty ofWater and Land Management, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Studentu 11, Akademija, Kaunas distr., LT-53361, Lithuania;

Road Department, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Sauletekio ave. 11, Vilnius, LT-10223, Lithuania;

AUTHOR KEYWORDS: Assessment of pedestrian zones in Lithuania; Criteria for successful pedestrian zones; Multiple criteria analysis; Pedestrian zones in cities; Sustainability of pedestrian zones

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

PUBLICATION STAGE: Final

SOURCE: Scopus

Yang, F.

36607241700;

Investigating wintertime pedestrian wind environment and user perception in dense residential neighbourhood in a city of hot-summer and cold-winter climate zone, China

(2017) Indoor and Built Environment, 26 (3), pp. 392-408. Cited 3 times.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018181386&doi=10.1177%2f1420326X15620257&partnerID=40&md5=3afd66a42594b9f0e83e188c3d22fbdc

DOI: 10.1177/1420326X15620257

AFFILIATIONS: College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP), Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China;

Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-Saving Study of Dense Habitat, Tongji University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China

AUTHOR KEYWORDS: Hot-summer cold-winter; Housing form; Pedestrian comfort; Urban design; Urban ventilation; Wind perception

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

PUBLICATION STAGE: Final

SOURCE: Scopus

Guo, W., Meng, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, N.

57199262830;57194581397;57194584688;57194582523;

Spatial development model of sustainable tourism town based on smart city

(2017) Agro Food Industry Hi-Tech, 28 (1), pp. 853-857.

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020975732&partnerID=40&md5=01cbd36b08a8a0f2ca20ec0ff56d3c2e

AFFILIATIONS: School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Institute of Modern Tourism Industry and Organization Development, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China;

School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China

AUTHOR KEYWORDS: Smart city; Space development; Sustainable; Tourism town

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

PUBLICATION STAGE: Final

SOURCE: Scopus

Attachment

Submitted filename: Response to Reviewers.docx

Click here for additional data file.^{(33.4KB, docx)}

PLoS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r004

Decision Letter 1

Dragan Pamucar

20 Oct 2022

PONE-D-22-18649R1Study on the Sustainable Renewal Strategy of Ancient Towns with Canals on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient TownPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Wang,

Please submit your revised manuscript by Dec 04 2022 11:59PM. If you will need more time than this to complete your revisions, please reply to this message or contact the journal office at plosone@plos.org. When you're ready to submit your revision, log on to https://www.editorialmanager.com/pone/ and select the 'Submissions Needing Revision' folder to locate your manuscript file.

Please include the following items when submitting your revised manuscript:

A rebuttal letter that responds to each point raised by the academic editor and reviewer(s). You should upload this letter as a separate file labeled 'Response to Reviewers'.
A marked-up copy of your manuscript that highlights changes made to the original version. You should upload this as a separate file labeled 'Revised Manuscript with Track Changes'.
An unmarked version of your revised paper without tracked changes. You should upload this as a separate file labeled 'Manuscript'.

We look forward to receiving your revised manuscript.

Kind regards,

Dragan Pamucar

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

[Note: HTML markup is below. Please do not edit.]

Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

1. If the authors have adequately addressed your comments raised in a previous round of review and you feel that this manuscript is now acceptable for publication, you may indicate that here to bypass the “Comments to the Author” section, enter your conflict of interest statement in the “Confidential to Editor” section, and submit your "Accept" recommendation.

Reviewer #1: (No Response)

Reviewer #3: All comments have been addressed

**********

2. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

Reviewer #1: Partly

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

3. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: N/A

**********

4. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

5. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

6. Review Comments to the Author

3. Did you mean Yoshinobu Ashihara? (line 77).

5. Paper for international journals will be read by readers who do not understand the location, so give information in the form of maps of Xixing, China, and which parts of China are studied.

8. Each figure requires a caption and explanation in the image, for example adding text to the captured image calculation from DepthMap.

Reviewer #3: At this revised manuscript authors developed a thorough and substantial reorganization of their initial manuscript, having the review comments addressed in a meticulous manner. The narrative flow is smooth, the methodology analysis is sound, and the research outcomes are insightful. In this respect the revised manuscript sustains novel features of regional and wider socio-cultural impact on the Chinese context, thus, it can be accepted for publication at the PLOS One journal as is.

**********

7. PLOS authors have the option to publish the peer review history of their article (what does this mean?). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

If you choose “no”, your identity will remain anonymous but your review may still be made public.

Do you want your identity to be public for this peer review? For information about this choice, including consent withdrawal, please see our Privacy Policy.

Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #3: Yes: Dr. Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos

**********

Attachment

Submitted filename: PONE-D-22-18649R1-review_comments.docx

Click here for additional data file.^{(11.8KB, docx)}

PLoS One. 2023 Jan 6;18(1):e0279979. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r005

Author response to Decision Letter 1

11 Nov 2022

Dear Editor,

We are truly grateful to yours and other reviewers’ critical comments and thoughtful suggestions on our manuscript (Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town).

Based on these comments and suggestions, we have made careful modifications on the original manuscript. All changes made to the text are in yellow color. We hope the new manuscript will meet your journal’s standard. Below you will find our point-by-point responses to the reviewers’ comments/questions.

We hope that these revisions are satisfactory and that the revised version will be acceptable for publication in PLOS ONE journal.

Thank you very much for your work concerning our paper. Wish you all the best!

Review comments for the manuscript: PONE-D-22-18649

Study on the Sustainable Renewal Strategy of Ancient Towns with Canals on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town

Response: The clear statement has been given, please see the new manuscript document.

Response: The paragraph has been revised, please see line17-20.

3. Did you mean Yoshinobu Ashihara? (line 77).

Response: I mean in the ancient town, the original canal only providing water and aesthetics function, prefer to the limited function of original canal.

Response: This part has been revised, please see line90-91,104-105,125-127.

5. Paper for international journals will be read by readers who do not understand the location, so give information in the form of maps of Xixing, China, and which parts of China are studied.

Response: The new maps have been added, please see China map and Xixing ancient town location map.

Response: The paragraph has been revised, distinguished the results, discussion and expectation of this study. Results was line 367-377.Discussion was 380-392. Expectation was 441-444.

Response: The structure of conclusions section has been adjusted, Please see line 428-432.

8. Each figure requires a caption and explanation in the image, for example adding text to the captured image calculation from DepthMap.

Response: All the figures in the manuscript have been advised ,please see the figure4-figure9.

Response: The systematics of the paper has been adjusted and improved accordingly.

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PLoS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r006

Decision Letter 2

Dragan Pamucar

15 Nov 2022

PONE-D-22-18649R2Study on the Sustainable Renewal Strategy of Ancient Towns with Canals on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient TownPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Wang,

Please submit your revised manuscript by Dec 30 2022 11:59PM. If you will need more time than this to complete your revisions, please reply to this message or contact the journal office at plosone@plos.org. When you're ready to submit your revision, log on to https://www.editorialmanager.com/pone/ and select the 'Submissions Needing Revision' folder to locate your manuscript file.

Please include the following items when submitting your revised manuscript:

A rebuttal letter that responds to each point raised by the academic editor and reviewer(s). You should upload this letter as a separate file labeled 'Response to Reviewers'.
A marked-up copy of your manuscript that highlights changes made to the original version. You should upload this as a separate file labeled 'Revised Manuscript with Track Changes'.
An unmarked version of your revised paper without tracked changes. You should upload this as a separate file labeled 'Manuscript'.

We look forward to receiving your revised manuscript.

Kind regards,

Dragan Pamucar

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Journal Requirements:

Please review your reference list to ensure that it is complete and correct. If you have cited papers that have been retracted, please include the rationale for doing so in the manuscript text, or remove these references and replace them with relevant current references. Any changes to the reference list should be mentioned in the rebuttal letter that accompanies your revised manuscript. If you need to cite a retracted article, indicate the article’s retracted status in the References list and also include a citation and full reference for the retraction notice.

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Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

Reviewer #1: (No Response)

Reviewer #3: (No Response)

**********

2. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

3. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: N/A

**********

4. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

5. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

6. Review Comments to the Author

Reviewer #1: This paper discusses the spatial syntax to analyze the topological structure of roads and alleys in the ancient city of Xixing in the Zhedong canal as a case object. I think this topic is interesting regard to most situations in urban development. The author has revised most of what has been suggested. But there are minor revisions that must be corrected.

In this version of the article, the conclusion section is omitted. The author must write a conclusion, as stated in the previous revised version "Conclusion and Expectations", “…Based on the theory and method of spatial syntax, this paper studied the spatial and topological configuration…” In this version it is even removed. Stick to this conclusion statement. Please rewrite the section as in the previous version.

Reviewer #3: The following minor corrections can be addressed prior to an “acceptance” decision.

�The manuscript title has to be shortened since it currently contains 31 words.

�There are extensive narrative points that are not cited, thus, checking and cross-citing them it is needed.

�It is not clear and straightforward what are the borders: start-end of the main sections: 1. Introduction, 2. Literature Review, 3. Methodology, 4. Results, 5. Discussion, 6. Conclusions and Future Research. Therefore, it is highly recommended:

-if main headings are missing to be added in the order above, while all main headings to be numbered as 1, 2, 3, …….., and their subheadings to be numbered as 2.2, 2.1, ……, 3.1, 3.2, ……., where missing and where matching to the narrative flow/text content.

-titles such as that of:

“Local integration degree of the Xixing Ancient Town”

“The choice of the Xixing Ancient Town”

“Construction of the Adaptive Mode of the Integration of Living Environment and Business Space”

To be shortened and placed as subheadings within the aforesaid main sections’ structure: 1,…., 6, where matching to the revised narrative flow.

�The concluding remarks (to be presented in a separated 6. Conclusions and Future Research section) they have to oriented towards the constraints, the limitations, and the future research orientations and propositions of generalized truth, beyond that of Xixing ancient town, of similar research, cultural and spatial contexts in China or worldwide, to be drawn. To this end 3-4 extra sentences can be added at this ending section 6.

�Special care and provision should be taken that all source citations from which the Figures and Tables have been developed/adapted/recalled from, to be explicitly noted in their legends/caption (where missing).

**********

7. PLOS authors have the option to publish the peer review history of their article (what does this mean?). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

If you choose “no”, your identity will remain anonymous but your review may still be made public.

Do you want your identity to be public for this peer review? For information about this choice, including consent withdrawal, please see our Privacy Policy.

Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #3: Yes: Dr. Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos

**********

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PLoS One. 2023 Jan 6;18(1):e0279979. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r007

Author response to Decision Letter 2

24 Nov 2022

Dear Editor,

We are truly grateful to yours and other reviewers’ comments on our manuscript (PONE-D-22-18649R2).

Based on these comments, we have made careful modifications on the original manuscript. The revised parts according to the comments are marked in blue, and other changes are in yellow. Below you will find our point-by-point responses to the reviewers’ comments/questions.

We hope that these revisions are satisfactory and that the revised version will be acceptable for publication in PLOS ONE journal.

Thank you very much for your work concerning our paper. Wish you all the best!

Weilu Lv, Ning Wang, Yun Huang

Review comments for the revised manuscript: PONE-D-22-18649_R2

Study on the Sustainability of Ancient Canal Towns on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town

The following minor corrections can be addressed prior to an “acceptance” decision.

�The manuscript title has to be shortened since it currently contains 31 words.

Response: We have already shorten the manuscript title. The new title is: Study on the Sustainability of Ancient Canal Towns on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town.

�There are extensive narrative points that are not cited, thus, checking and cross-citing them it is needed.

Response: We have checked the manuscript and cited the relevant points. Please see the new references.

-titles such as that of:

“Local integration degree of the Xixing Ancient Town”

“The choice of the Xixing Ancient Town”

“Construction of the Adaptive Mode of the Integration of Living Environment and Business Space”

To be shortened and placed as subheadings within the aforesaid main sections’ structure: 1,…., 6, where matching to the revised narrative flow.

Response: We have numbered the heading titles of the main sections. Please see the new manuscript document.

Response: We have summarized the limitations and proposed two directions for future research to broaden the research perspective and deepen research thinking. Please see the 7. Expectations section.

Response: We have marked the sources of the Figures and Tables. Please see the new manuscript document.

Attachment

Submitted filename: Response to Reviewers.docx

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PLoS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r008

Decision Letter 3

Dragan Pamucar

1 Dec 2022

PONE-D-22-18649R3Study on the Sustainability of Ancient Canal Towns on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient TownPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Wang,

Please submit your revised manuscript by Jan 15 2023 11:59PM. If you will need more time than this to complete your revisions, please reply to this message or contact the journal office at plosone@plos.org. When you're ready to submit your revision, log on to https://www.editorialmanager.com/pone/ and select the 'Submissions Needing Revision' folder to locate your manuscript file.

Please include the following items when submitting your revised manuscript:

A rebuttal letter that responds to each point raised by the academic editor and reviewer(s). You should upload this letter as a separate file labeled 'Response to Reviewers'.
A marked-up copy of your manuscript that highlights changes made to the original version. You should upload this as a separate file labeled 'Revised Manuscript with Track Changes'.
An unmarked version of your revised paper without tracked changes. You should upload this as a separate file labeled 'Manuscript'.

We look forward to receiving your revised manuscript.

Kind regards,

Dragan Pamucar

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Journal Requirements:

[Note: HTML markup is below. Please do not edit.]

Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

Reviewer #1: (No Response)

Reviewer #3: All comments have been addressed

**********

2. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: (No Response)

**********

3. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: (No Response)

**********

4. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: (No Response)

**********

5. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #3: (No Response)

**********

6. Review Comments to the Author

Reviewer #1: This paper discusses the spatial syntax to analyze the topological structure of roads and alleys in the ancient city of Xixing in the Zhedong canal as a case object. I think this topic is interesting regard to most situations in urban development. The author has revised most of what has been suggested. But there are minor revisions that must be corrected.

Reviewer #3: At this revised manuscript authors improved their analysis and findings into a satisfactory and meaningful manner. In this respect the revised manuscript sustains novel features and it can be accepted for publication at the PLOS ONE journal as is.

**********

7. PLOS authors have the option to publish the peer review history of their article (what does this mean?). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

If you choose “no”, your identity will remain anonymous but your review may still be made public.

Do you want your identity to be public for this peer review? For information about this choice, including consent withdrawal, please see our Privacy Policy.

Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #3: Yes: Dr. Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos

**********

PLoS One. 2023 Jan 6;18(1):e0279979. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r009

Author response to Decision Letter 3

2 Dec 2022

Dear Editor,

We are truly grateful to the comments on our manuscript (PONE-D-22-18649R2).

Based on the comments, we have made careful modifications on the original manuscript. The revised parts according to the comments are marked in blue. Below you will find our point-by-point responses to the reviewers’ comments/questions.

We hope that these revisions are satisfactory and that the revised version will be acceptable for publication in PLOS ONE journal.

Thank you very much for your work concerning our paper. Wish you all the best!

Weilu Lv, Ning Wang, Yun Huang

Review comments for the revised manuscript: PONE-D-22-18649_R2

Study on the Sustainability of Ancient Canal Towns on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town

�Reviewer #1: This paper discusses the spatial syntax to analyze the topological structure of roads and alleys in the ancient city of Xixing in the Zhedong canal as a case object. I think this topic is interesting regard to most situations in urban development. The author has revised most of what has been suggested. But there are minor revisions that must be corrected.

Response: We have already added the conclusion at the last section. Please see the 7. Conclusion and Expectations section.

�Reviewer #3: At this revised manuscript authors improved their analysis and findings into a satisfactory and meaningful manner. In this respect the revised manuscript sustains novel features and it can be accepted for publication at the PLOS ONE journal as is.

Response: Thanks a lot!

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Submitted filename: Response to Reviewers.docx

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PLoS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r010

Decision Letter 4

Dragan Pamucar

20 Dec 2022

Study on the Sustainability of Ancient Canal Towns on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town

PONE-D-22-18649R4

Dear Dr. Wang,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

An invoice for payment will follow shortly after the formal acceptance. To ensure an efficient process, please log into Editorial Manager at http://www.editorialmanager.com/pone/, click the 'Update My Information' link at the top of the page, and double check that your user information is up-to-date. If you have any billing related questions, please contact our Author Billing department directly at authorbilling@plos.org.

If your institution or institutions have a press office, please notify them about your upcoming paper to help maximize its impact. If they’ll be preparing press materials, please inform our press team as soon as possible -- no later than 48 hours after receiving the formal acceptance. Your manuscript will remain under strict press embargo until 2 pm Eastern Time on the date of publication. For more information, please contact onepress@plos.org.

Kind regards,

Dragan Pamucar

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

Reviewer #1: All comments have been addressed

**********

2. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

Reviewer #1: Yes

**********

3. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

**********

4. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

Reviewer #1: Yes

**********

5. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

Reviewer #1: Yes

**********

6. Review Comments to the Author

Reviewer #1: This paper discusses the spatial syntax to analyze the topological structure of roads and alleys in the ancient city of Xixing in the Zhedong canal as a case object. I think this topic is interesting regard to most situations in urban development. Author(s) have made improvements according to suggestions. With this version, I believe it can be published in this journal.

**********

7. PLOS authors have the option to publish the peer review history of their article (what does this mean?). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

If you choose “no”, your identity will remain anonymous but your review may still be made public.

Do you want your identity to be public for this peer review? For information about this choice, including consent withdrawal, please see our Privacy Policy.

Reviewer #1: No

**********

PLoS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279979.r011

Acceptance letter

Dragan Pamucar

27 Dec 2022

PONE-D-22-18649R4

Study on the Sustainability of Ancient Canal Towns on the Basis of the Topological Structure Analysis of Streets and Lanes: A Case Study of the Xixing Ancient Town

Dear Dr. Wang:

I'm pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been deemed suitable for publication in PLOS ONE. Congratulations! Your manuscript is now with our production department.

If your institution or institutions have a press office, please let them know about your upcoming paper now to help maximize its impact. If they'll be preparing press materials, please inform our press team within the next 48 hours. Your manuscript will remain under strict press embargo until 2 pm Eastern Time on the date of publication. For more information please contact onepress@plos.org.

If we can help with anything else, please email us at plosone@plos.org.

Thank you for submitting your work to PLOS ONE and supporting open access.

Kind regards,

PLOS ONE Editorial Office Staff

on behalf of

Dr. Dragan Pamucar

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

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Data Availability Statement

All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

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PERMALINK

Study on the sustainability of ancient canal towns on the basis of the topological structure analysis of streets and lanes: A case study of the Xixing ancient town

Weilu Lv

Ning Wang

Yun Huang

Roles

Abstract

1. Introduction

Fig 1. Xixing ancient town present situation.

Fig 2.

2. Literature review

2.1 Research on street spatial form

2.2 Street spatial behavior research

2.3 Analysis and research on street spatial structure

3. Research design

3.1 Study area

Fig 3. The core protection area and the planning control area of the ancient town (Drawn by the authors).

3.2 Methodology

4. Result analysis

4.1 Spatial integration of ancient towns

Fig 4.

Fig 5.

Table 1. Analysis on integration of ancient towns (Drawn by the authors).

4.2 Configuration features of the Xixing ancient town and urban road network

Fig 6. Global integration diagram (Drawn by the authors).

4.3 Local integration degree of the Xixing ancient town

Fig 7. Local integration (Drawn by the authors).

Table 2. Analysis on the integration of ancient town and city (Drawn by the authors).

4.4 The choice of the Xixing ancient town

Fig 8. The choice (Drawn by the authors).

Table 3. Analysis on the choice of ancient town and city (Drawn by the authors).

4.5 The intelligibility of the Xixing ancient town

Fig 9. Scatter diagram of the intelligibility (Drawn by the authors).

5. Results

6. Discussion

6.1 The optimization of links with Urban space systems

6.2 Establishment of a multi-level transportation system composed of vehicle and pedestrian

6.3 Construction of the adaptive mode of the integration of living environment and business space

7. Conclusion and expectations

Supporting information

Acknowledgments

Data Availability

Funding Statement

References

Author response to previous submission

Decision Letter 0

Dragan Pamucar

Roles

Author response to Decision Letter 0

Decision Letter 1

Dragan Pamucar

Roles

Author response to Decision Letter 1

Decision Letter 2

Dragan Pamucar

Roles

Author response to Decision Letter 2

Decision Letter 3

Dragan Pamucar

Roles

Author response to Decision Letter 3

Decision Letter 4

Dragan Pamucar

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Acceptance letter

Dragan Pamucar

Roles

Associated Data

Supplementary Materials

Data Availability Statement

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