AP HUG City Models

Concentric Zone Model (Burgess Model)

Definition:
City grows outward in rings from a central CBD.

Example: Chicago

Key characteristics:

• CBD → transition → working → middle → suburbs

• Poorer residents closer to CBD

• Industrial-era city structure

Quick ID (MCQ shortcut):
➡ Rings = Concentric Zone

FRQ use:
Industrial cities, early urbanization, income gradients

Sector Model (Hoyt Model)

Definition:
City develops in wedges/sectors outward from CBD.

Example: Chicago

Key characteristics:

• Growth follows transportation routes

• High-income areas expand outward in one direction

• Industry lines up along railroads

Quick ID (MCQ shortcut):
➡ Wedges = Sector Model

FRQ use:
Transportation influence on urban structure

. Multiple Nuclei Model

Definition:
City has multiple centers (nodes) instead of one CBD.

Example: Los Angeles

Key characteristics:

• Different areas specialize (industry, retail, residential)

• Edge cities form

• Car-based development

Quick ID (MCQ shortcut):
➡ Multiple centers = Multiple Nuclei

FRQ use:
Modern cities, decentralization, urban sprawl

Galactic City Model (Peripheral Model)

City structured like a galaxy with highways and edge cities surrounding a CBD.

Example: Atlanta

Key characteristics:

• Strong suburbanization

• Edge cities connected by beltways

• Heavy automobile dependence

Quick ID (MCQ shortcut):
➡ Highways + suburbs = Galactic Model

FRQ use:
Urban sprawl, suburban growth, car culture

Latin American City Model (Griffin-Ford Model)

Definition:
City with a CBD + spine and clear social-class zones.

Example: Mexico City

Key characteristics:

• Elite live near CBD

• Commercial spine extends outward

• Poor live on periphery (squatter settlements)

Quick ID (MCQ shortcut):
➡ Spine + rich near center = Latin American Model

FRQ use:
Developing world cities, inequality, rapid urbanization

African City Model

Definition:
City shaped by colonial history and ethnic patterns.

Example: Nairobi

Key characteristics:

• Multiple CBDs (colonial + traditional)

• Ethnic neighborhoods

• Informal economy common

Quick ID (MCQ shortcut):
➡ Ethnic divisions = African Model

FRQ use:
Colonial legacy, cultural patterns, urban diversity

Southeast Asian City Model

Definition:
City influenced by colonialism, ports, and mixed land use.

Example: Jakarta

Key characteristics:

• Port is central

• Western businesses clustered

• No strong single CBD

Quick ID (MCQ shortcut):
➡ Port-focused = Southeast Asian Model

FRQ use:
Trade, port cities, colonial impact in Asia