A Study on the Optimization of the Dynamic Visual Quantitative Method for the External Spatial Form of Super-Large Cities’ High-Density Waterfront Iconic Building Clusters: A Case Study of Shanghai Lujiazui

The external spatial form and skyline of high-density waterfront iconic building clusters in super-large cities are the most distinctive features of urban image. However, traditional static research methods (such as fixed-point photography) cannot capture the continuous visual experience of people in motion, thereby imposing obvious limitations. This study proposes a dynamic visual quantification method that constructs a linear observation path using the parametric platform Grasshopper. The method calculates two core parameters in real-time: the vertical perspective angle (θ, reflecting the building’s “sense of height”) and the horizontal perspective angle (β, reflecting the “sense of density” of the building cluster), so as to realize the dynamic and continuous quantification of the building cluster’s form. Using Shanghai Lujiazui as a case study, this paper validates the method’s effectiveness. The results show that the visual perception of buildings is not only determined by their absolute height but also influenced by the distance from the observation point and spatial relationships. Furthermore, through variance analysis and an annealing algorithm, this study can identify “visually stable points” (suitable for arranging core landmarks) and “optimal viewing points” (suitable for setting up urban viewing platforms). This method provides a reproducible quantitative tool and specific guidance for the optimization of waterfront building layouts and the planning of urban viewing platforms.