Investigation into Spatially and Environmentally Aesthetic Dovecote Designs: A Case Study from the Xinjiang Region on the Silk Road

Abstract

Globally, the dove is acknowledged as a peace representative and emblem. The Silk Road is noted for its vibrant pigeon culture, particularly in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a bustling hub of Chinese pigeon culture and industry. This research offers a systematic examination of the cultural and aesthetic features of pigeon coops in rural landscapes, utilizing China’s Xinjiang region as a representative sample. The study’s findings suggest that in Uyghur traditional villages when constructing pigeon coops, emphasis should be placed on their locational visibility and harmony with residential structures. The functional elements of the planning layout include the transition from traditional to modern dovecotes, exploitation of natural conditions, and effective arrangement and optimization of layout. For modern dovecote construction in Uyghur residential buildings, three factors should be considered: the environmental aesthetics of building materials, the use of innovative construction methods, and the safeguarding of significant cultural heritage. Conclusively, traditional Uyghur villages are endowed with abundant cultural heritage, which should be taken into account when designing the layout of pigeon coops for aesthetic considerations.