APHG Unit 7 City Models and Theories

Concentric Zone Model

Divides urban areas into five distinct socieconomic rings radiating out from CBD. Zone of Transition: Mixed residential and commercial land uses (featuring deteriorating housing), Working-Class Residential Zone (Older houses occupied by stable, working-class families), Residential Zone (Newer, spacious middle-class homes.), Commuter Zone (Suburban, high-class homes) Seen in: Chicago, Los Angeles, U.S. Midwest

Hoyt Sector Model

Urban growth radiates out in wedges/sectors from CBD. Transportation infrastructure determines which direction each sector grows (industries cluster along railways and waterways). Land use within each sector remains consistent because similar use attracts similar use.

Multiple Nuclei Model

Proposes that cities do not grow around a single CBD but multiple specialized nodes/centers Ex: L.A., Houston, Atlanta

Galactic City/Peripheral Model

Describes modern decentralized urban areas where the traditional Central Business District (CBD) is surrounded by suburban residential and functional areas known as edge cities. A major ring road or highway surrounds the city, linking the edge cities and facilitating movement.

Latin American City Model

CBD with a commercial spine and wealthy housing surrounding. Poorer areas are at the edges

Sub-Saharan African Model

Urban areas with three distinct Central Business Districts (CBDs)—colonial, traditional, and market. Surrounding the CBD are residential areas often segregated by ethnic or tribal identities. Located on the outskirts, often providing jobs near residential areas. The outermost ring consists of rapidly growing, impoverished shanty towns and unplanned housing.

Southeast Asian City Model

Describes urban structures centered on a port rather than a formal Central Business District (CBD). High-class areas are often near the center, while middle-income housing thrives in the suburbs. Squatter settlements (low-income) are scattered, often on the periphery.

Bid-Rent Theory

The cost of land increases as one approaches a city’s CBD. Assumes cities have distinct districts and 1 CBD, transport costs remain consistent across the city, the CBD is the most desirable area for majority.

Central Place Theory

Argues that settlements act as "central places" providing goods and services to surrounding areas, forming a hierarchical, hexagonal network based on consumer demand, travel distance, and market threshold.

Borchert’s Epoch Theory

5 distinct periods in history of American urbanization. 1. Sail-Wagon Epoch, 2. Iron-Horse Epoch, 3. Steel-Rail Epoch, 4. Auto-Air-Amenity Epoch, 5. High-Tech Epoch