Multi-Scale Ecological Coupling Mechanisms of Environment, Pattern, and Architecture in Traditional Villages of Southern Shaanxi

Traditional villages represent vital living heritage in China. We develop a multi-scale eco-coupling framework integrating GIS spatial analysis and 3D laser scanning to analyze the natural and social environment, spatial patterns, and architectural forms across macro–meso–micro levels in traditional villages of southern Shaanxi, and use partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized cross-scale pathways. The results show significant spatial clustering, mainly in the water-adjacent low-mountain valleys and under moderate gradients of GDP, population density, and road density. The morphology is classified as clustered, linear, or scatter shaped, while buildings are dominated by courtyard, patio, and single-row layouts with timber structures, rammed earth or stone walls, and double-pitched roofs. After reliability and validity checks, the PLS-SEM confirms significant macro–meso–micro pathways, with the meso scale as a key mediator. Overall, the study reveals that persistence depends on long-term coupling among multi-scale factors, providing theoretical and methodological support for conservation and sustainable development.