Based on a fixed-point survey of spontaneous space in the Tanhualin area of Wuhan, China, spontaneous space samples were obtained. The spatial typology method was used to summarize and compare the morphological and functional characteristics of the samples, and the space was divided into 10 types and seven functions. Through quantitative statistical analysis of the relationship between different spontaneous space forms and their spatial functions, it was found that residents’ behavior in daily life has a significant effect on spontaneous space renewal and district renewal. Based on the study of the spontaneous space of the Tanhualin historical–cultural district, this study determined the status quo of the space renewal and development of the district and put forward corresponding protection and renewal strategies. Finally, it provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable renewal and coordinated development of historical–cultural districts.

With the rapid development of Chinese cities, the spatial pattern in historical districts has deteriorated due to a lack of protection measures. Indigenous communities have taken it upon themselves to expand certain spaces around the original residential buildings in order to meet the demands of modern life. However, this expansion has had a negative impact on the stylistic integrity of historical districts, leading to a conflict between cultural heritage and district protection. This study focuses on Tanhualin, a representative historical district in Wuhan. The study divides the district into 10 sub-areas, extracting a total of 4850 street views and selecting 6752 spontaneous spatial samples from them. Utilizing the Mask R-CNN model, the study uses computer-based deep learning to identify, summarize, and categorize the various forms and functions of these spontaneous spaces. The study also analyzes the negative impact of these spaces on the unity of the historical blocks’ interfaces, as well as their positive impact on cultural heritage and the creation of a distinctive atmosphere. Finally, the study proposes reconstruction and renewal strategies from both urban design and architectural design perspectives. These strategies aim to improve the quality of life for indigenous communities, establish a sustainable system for preserving historical imprints, protect the cultural atmosphere of historical blocks, and enhance the adaptability of these blocks in modern cities.

Curved streets have long played a crucial role in shaping the experience of urban space, affecting the visual perception and psychological expectations of pedestrians. This study examines how key geometric variables, such as curvature, wall spacing, and segmentation, affect spatial expectations in curved environments. To carry out the study in a real setting, a field survey of 78 curved-street cases in 14 countries was first conducted to extract representative spatial configurations as reference types. These are then abstracted into 3D computer graphics (3DCG) simulation models, which enable us to control the manipulation of geometric parameters while eliminating non-visual variables such as color and texture. A total of 223 participants, including professionals, students in design-related fields, and laypeople, took part in a perception-based experiment evaluating maximum desired position and desired intensity. Our setting is that participants have not actually visited these locations. The simulated environment captures universal spatial characteristics, focuses on universal perception mechanisms, and reduces the familiarity of specific locations to record the first intuitive feelings of participants. Multiple regression analyses were used to quantify the relationship between physical street attributes and psychological responses. The results show that streets with moderate curvature and well-spaced building elements enhance spatial depth and continuity, thus enhancing the sense of expectation. Based on the above, we construct a prediction model to link geometric street features with perceived outcomes. Through empirical observation, virtual simulation, and statistical analysis, this study provides a new perspective on how spatial morphology affects human cognition. These findings can contribute both theoretically and practically to the development of more attractive, psychologically resonant, and human-centered urban public Spaces.