Spatial Characterization Analysis of Residential Material Stock and its Driving Factors: A Case Study of Xi'an

Since the beginning of the 21st century, driven by industrialization and its corresponding economic development, China has been experiencing a period of rapid urbanization. The continued expansion of residential space contributes to material stocks of residential buildings, accounting for a large proportion of the total material stocks. Based on a 4D-GIS model, we studied spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and driving factors of residential building material stock in the central urban area of Xi'an from 1992 to 2021. The study innovatively combined this with the spatial development rule, development speed, and expansion direction of cities to analyze the relationship between stock growth and urban development. We found that residential development in central Xi'an is still undergoing a relatively rapid developmental stage. The spatial growth of residential building stock has a distinct agglomeration pattern, showing the characteristics of multi-center agglomeration, and the hot spots of stock growth are concentrated on and expanding to the edges of central cities. The growth of residential building stock has a distinct direction, primarily in the northeast-southwest direction, consistent with the pattern of urban expansion. We also found that social, economic, and transport-related factors are the main drivers of growth of residential building material stock. This study can help policymakers, urban planners, and environmental planners consider the rational development and utilization of land resources and building materials, and it lays a research foundation for the recycling of construction waste in the future.