**3. Results**

#### *3.1. Changes in the Center of Spatial Configuration*

Both the ASA and VGA models are used in this study to investigate the change in the center of the spatial configuration of the temple. The ASA model is based on the simplified accessibility network, while the VGA model is used to represent the coincidence and separation of the visual and accessible spatio–temporal structures.

In the VGA model, constructed using the software DepthMap 1.0, the MD values are visualized (Figure 4). As for the knee-level layer in 1962, the area with the highest 10% integration value is located in the Main Hall and its front area, while the area with the highest 10% integration value in the eye-level layer has a high similarity with those in the knee-level layers. In 1973, there was no obvious change in the integration value of each part of the space, although a new architecture, Jianzhen Memorial Hall, was built. The position of the center of the spatial configuration in the system does not change noticeably. In 2022, the area with the highest 10% accessibility is located in the wide area of the east side of the temple architecture, while the area with the lowest 10% accessibility is located in the West Garden. It can be seen that the Main Hall had a higher level of accessibility in the area before the construction of the East District. After the redesign and expansion of the East District, we observe that the center of spatial configuration was shifted to the eastern side, indicating that the topological priority of the Main Hall was gradually replaced by the East District. In 2022, the East District turned into a more accessible place eventually.

**Figure 4.** Visualized results of NAIN analysis in different periods.

In the ASA models, some key space syntax indices, e.g., integration, connectivity, and intelligibility, are believed to be competent for measuring the quality of space [30]. An ASA model is generated by the software DepthMap 1.0 (Figure 5), in which the center of accessibility is bolded for high-clarity visualization, and 200 m-radius integration and global integration are calculated, respectively. The values are visualized in reversed pseudocolor, i.e., reddish hue for lower values while bluish hue for higher values. Comparing the results by NAIN and VGA analysis, typical patterns of their spatial configuration are found. Some differences are noticeable. In 2022, the distribution of NAIN values presented that the higher-valued area is the path between Mahavira Hall and Qiling Pagoda, where the NAIN values of these sites are noticeably different from their surroundings. These phenomena above do not present any statistical inconformity with the findings in the VGA model.

The ASA model is further utilized in studying the variations of the center of the temple during internal spatio–temporal structural changes in chronological order. Considering the distribution of NACH in different periods (Figure 6), some phenomena are highlighted as follows. Similar to the evolution of the center of accessibility, the traversal center also conducted a process of centrality shift, transferring from east to west. The existing center of accessibility presented a lower influential effect in local spaces, whereas the original traversal center still maintains a high probability of being accessed by visitors. Although the space near Mahavira Hall has decreased accessibility, it still plays an important role in the local space of the circulation of visitors. Meanwhile, the center of the entire space also tends to transfer toward the East District.

**Figure 5.** Visualized results of NACH analysis in different periods.

**Figure 6.** Distribution of connectivity in different periods.
