City models

  1. Concentric Zone Model

    • Proposed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925, this model describes urban land use in a series of concentric circles radiating out from a central point, usually the Central Business District (CBD).

    • Each zone has distinct characteristics:

      • Zone I: Central Business District (CBD)

      • Zone II: Zone of Transition (mixed use, often low-income housing)

      • Zone III: Zone of Working-Class Homes (older, lower-middle-class homes)

      • Zone IV: Zone of Better Residences (middle-class homes)

      • Zone V: Commuter's Zone (suburban areas)

  2. Sector Model

    • Developed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939, this model suggests that urban areas develop in sectors radiating out from the CBD rather than in concentric circles.

    • The sectors are determined by transportation routes, and can include residential, industrial, and commercial areas.

  3. Multiple Nuclei Model

    • Created by geographers Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman in 1945, this model posits that cities develop around multiple centers or “nuclei,” each with its own unique economic activities.

    • Each nucleus attracts certain types of development, leading to a decentralized urban form rather than a single CBD.

  4. Urban Realms Model

    • Proposed by James E. Vance in the 1960s, this model reflects the changes in urban development, particularly in the United States.

    • It emphasizes the influence of suburban areas and suggests that cities extend beyond traditional boundaries, creating interconnected realms that serve different functions.

  5. Edge City Model

    • Introduced by Joel Garreau in 1991, this concept defines edge cities as suburban developments that become new centers of economic activity, typically formed in the outskirts of metropolitan areas.

    • Edge cities often contain office parks, shopping malls, and entertainment facilities, reflecting a shift in where urban activity occurs.

  6. Sub-Saharan African City Model

    • This model highlights the unique urban structure in many Sub-Saharan African cities, characterized by a mixture of traditional practices and modern developments.

    • Cities often feature a central market area surrounded by informal settlements and roads extending outward, reflecting the impact of colonization and ongoing urbanization.

  7. Latin American City Model

    • Developed by geographer Ernest Griffin and Larry Ford, this model illustrates the structure of Latin American cities, blending colonial city layouts with modern urban characteristics.

    • The model features a central plaza and commercial sectors, where wealthy residents live along the spine of development extending from the city center, while poorer populations reside in marginal areas outside.