TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT INTEGRATION AS A PREDICTOR OF FENG SHUI-INSPIRED SPATIAL VITALITY: EFFECTS ON SPIRITUAL CHARM AND CULTURAL INDENTITY

The fast modernization of urban areas has frequently resulted in the demise of culturally significant architectural design, particularly the incorporation of traditional Chinese architectural concepts into contemporary constructed environments. As a result, many contemporary settings lack cultural identity, spatial coherence, and experiential depth. Addressing this issue, this study investigates how incorporating traditional Chinese architectural aspects improves spatial vitality, spiritual experience, and cultural identity in contemporary design. The study specifically investigates the effects of Traditional Chinese Architectural Element Integration—which includes spatial philosophy integration, material and ecological integration, and symbolic and cultural abstraction—on Feng Shui-Inspired Spatial Vitality, as well as its impact on spiritual charm and cultural identity. A quantitative study methodology was used, with data obtained from individuals who have experienced traditional Chinese architectural surroundings using online and onsite questionnaire questionnaires. A total of 250 valid responses were collected and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the predicted correlations between the study variables. The findings show that spatial philosophy integration has the greatest influence on increasing Feng Shui-inspired spatial vitality, followed by material and ecological integration and symbolic cultural abstraction. Furthermore, Feng Shui-inspired spatial vitality enhances both spiritual attractiveness and cultural identity in architectural settings. This study advances architectural theory by offering an integrated framework that connects classical spatial philosophy, cultural symbols, and ecological materials to experience spatial outcomes. Practically, the findings suggest how architects and urban planners might reinterpret ancient Chinese architectural principles in contemporary design to produce culturally relevant, environmentally responsive, and experientially rich constructed spaces.