APHG Urban Models

Concentric Model

Sector Model

Multiple Nuclei Model

Galactic Model

Southeast Asian City Model

Latin American City Model

Sub-Saharan African City Model

Concentric Zone Criticism

An oversimplified and outdated model that doesn't account for changing population density or gentrification, regeneration, and development.

Sector Model Criticism

An outdated model that doesn't consider the existence of personal cars that lets people commute from low-cost land outside the city boundaries or edge cities.

Multiple Nuclei Model Criticism

It fails to explain the development of slums and informal settlements, providing no explanation of why or where they appear.

Galactic Model Criticism

It does not apply to genuinely rural areas and only describes transplanted urban forms at and near major road junctions, with designated "empty space" that will eventually become part of the model.

Latin American City Example

Sao Paulo, Brazil ; Tijuana, Mexico

Southeast Asian City Example

Bangkok, Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sub-Saharan African City Model Example

Lagos, Nigeria; Johannesburg, South Africa ; Nairobi, Kenya

Concentric-Zone Model

A model that explains urban land use in concentric circles, with the CBD at the center, surrounded by zones of transition, working-class homes, middle-class homes, and commuter zones. Created by sociologist Ernest Burgess.

Sector Model

A model that suggests cities develop in sectors or wedges radiating out from the CBD, influenced by transportation routes. Developed by economist Homer Hoyt.

Multiple-Nuclei Model

A model that posits cities have multiple centers (nuclei) for different activities, rather than a single CBD. Developed by Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman.

Galactic City Model (Peripheral Model)

A model that describes a city that is decentralized, with a CBD surrounded by a ring of suburbs and edge cities, influenced by transportation and communication technology. It reflects the post-industrial city structure.

Latin American City Model

A model that illustrates the urban structure of Latin American cities, characterized by a CBD, a zone of maturity, and a zone of squatter settlements, reflecting colonial influences and economic disparities.- Look for the spine that leads to the CBD

Southeast Asian City Model

A model that describes the urban structure of Southeast Asian cities, featuring a port zone, a commercial zone, and a zone of elite housing, influenced by colonial history and trade.

African City Model

A model that depicts the urban structure of African cities, characterized by multiple CBDs, traditional and colonial influences, and informal settlements, reflecting the impact of colonialism and urbanization.

Multiple Nuclei Model Example

Los Angeles, California USA; Mumbai, India;

Galactic Model Example

Atlanta, Georgia; Toronto, Canada; Dallas, Texas;

Concentric Zone Model Example

Chicago, USA; London, England, United Kingdom; Detroit, Michigan

Sector Model Example

Mexico City, Mexico; Calgary Canada; San Francisco, California; New York City, New York