Review and Prospect of Research on Settlement Adaptation.

Adaptation research is a key area in the research on the Sciences of Human Settlements. Based on tracing the origin of the concept of adaptation and reviewing relevant studies, this paper attempts to propose the concept of settlement adaptation and answer the three core questions of "object of adaptation," "subject of adaptation," and "type and process of adaptation." Then, the paper summarizes the main contents of the settlement adaptation research, including the research on adaptive construction of traditional settlements centered on climate adaptation, water adaptation, and terrain adaptation, as well as that on the evolutionary characteristics and mechanisms in the process of settlement adaptation. In the end, the paper points out the directions of future settlement adaptation research: systematic and holistic theoretical research; cross-scale, inter-temporal, and multi-regional empirical research; methodological innovation supported by emerging technologies; planning and design innovation to address current challenges. The relevant research and practice of settlement adaptation can provide support and reference for the sustainable development of settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]