Architectural typology classification using decorative elements from a cultural gene perspective in Jinhua Wu-style architecture

In traditional Chinese architectural typology, floor plan layout, spatial organization, structural systems, and function are core criteria. Yet under conditions of structural and spatial homogeneity, factors other than function often lack stable discriminatory power. Focusing on Wu-style architecture, this study examines residential courtyard architectures, ancestral halls, academies, and temples, introducing wooden decorative elements as a secondary criterion within a quantifiable framework. Based on cultural gene theory, architectural decoration is divided into six coded dimensions validated by expert consistency testing, and the Entropy Weight Method (EWM) is applied to evaluate each factor’s discernment. Results show significant typological differences in decorative configurations: thematic patterns, symbolic meanings, and cultural concepts exhibit stronger differentiation. Wooden decorative elements are not merely ancillary components but serve as key typological indicators with stable recognition value within specific cultural contexts. This study proposes a method based on architectural decorative elements, offering a new analytical pathway for researching architectural typology.