Collineation measurement: A method for constructing the imperial citadel of Thang Long in harmony with nature

Abstract

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a crucial case in ancient Vietnam’s planning and design history. Although historical materials indicate that the orientation of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has a dialectical unity relationship with the surroundingmountains, current research is only speculative generalization and lacks empirical analysis. Based on existing findings, this paper identifies the collineation measurement as a generalmethod in the Sinosphere countries for determining spatial orientation. Using a mixed-method of historical archives, fieldwork and simulation model, this paper summarizeshistorical cluesandthreedesignperspectives related to spatial orientation by statistical analysis. Further, it analyzes the logic and application of collineation measurement in constructing the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The results show that Vietnamese designers used Tàn Viên Mountain as a component of Thang Long city by collineating the twomountain peaks to the west. Tàn Viên Mountain and the highlands extending eastward fromit are used as the key to establishing the position of the Imperial Citadel, setting the spatial structure of human settlements, and the development of city space. The location, layout, and formof important buildings in the Imperial Citadel are also closely related to the surrounding landscape within 50 km.

Key words： Human settlement; Collineation measurement; Shan-shui structure; Vietnamese ancient capitals; The imperial citadel of Thang long