Urban Patterns and Regional Models in Cities

Townships, Mixed, and Neighborhoods

• African City Model

  • Characterized by three Central Business Districts (CBDs).
  • Reflects colonial influence across the continent.

• Types of CBDs:

  • Traditional CBD:
  • Features small shops and narrow streets.
  • Colonial CBD:
  • Consists of big streets, often in grid patterns.
  • Contains government buildings showcasing European architectural styles.
  • Market Zone:
  • Traditional open-air markets.
  • Though largely outdated, remnants of the three CBDs remain part of the cultural landscape in several African nations.

• Urban Development Patterns in African Cities:

  • Squatter settlements typically form on the urban outskirts.
  • Low-income areas develop away from the central business district (CBD).
  • Wealthier neighborhoods are generally situated closer to the CBD.

World Regional Models

• Colonial Legacy:
  • Models of Latin American, Southeast Asian, and African cities share a history of colonialism.
  • Squatter settlements are common in these urban areas, often representing lower-income development.

North American Urban Models

• Transport Influence:
  • Advancements in transportation have led to changes in urban models.
  • Lower-income residents are often located closer to the CBD.
  • Middle and wealthier residents tend to live farther from the CBD, engaging in suburbanization.