Chapter 16

16.1 THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF CITIES

• Variability and Similarity: Cities differ globally due to geographic and resource factors yet share common land-use patterns.

• Urban Land Use:

  • Determined by social, economic, and spatial processes.

  • Market dynamics lead to changes impacting individual choices and large projects.

  • People aim to maximize access to jobs, homes, and services.

• Central Business District (CBD):

  • The most accessible city area is the CBD, discussed via bid-rent theory (Unit 5).

  • Land value highest near CBD due to demand, decreasing with distance—illustrated by the bid-rent gradient.

  • CBD typically houses offices and public services (libraries, government offices) and consumer services (restaurants, theaters).

  • Historical city centers often locate CBDs.

• Bid-Rent Theory:

  • Businesses vary in willingness to pay for land based on proximity to CBD.

  • E.g., profitable businesses (e.g., investment firms) can afford higher costs near the CBD.

• Limitations of Bid-Rent Theory:

  • Assumes a flat urban plane with a singular CBD and consistent transportation.

  • Does not accurately reflect real-life variations in city layouts.

• Land-Use Zones:

  • Cities comprised of various zones (residential, industrial).

MODEL: BID-RENT THEORY

• Illustration:

  • Land cost decreases with distance from CBD.

  • Commercial enterprises cluster near CBD, while manufacturing, warehousing, and residential areas spread outward.

16.2 MODELS OF URBAN STRUCTURE

• Purpose of Models:

  • Models like concentric-zone, sector, and multiple-nuclei help clarify city structures.

• Burgess Concentric-Zone Model:

  • Developed by Ernest Burgess in 1920s Chicago.

  • Describes city growth in concentric rings around the CBD.

  • Zones include:

    • Zone 1 (CBD): Major economic, commercial activities.

    • Zone 2 (Zone in Transition): Mixed-use of industry and declining neighborhoods.

    • Zone 3 (Working-Class Residential): Densely populated with single-family homes and apartments.

    • Zone 4 (Middle-Class Residential): Lower density with private homes.

    • Zone 5 (Commuter Zone): Detached families in suburban settings.

• Hoyt Sector Model:

  • Proposed by Homer Hoyt in 1939, adds directionality to city development.

  • Growth occurs in wedge-shaped sectors along transportation routes.

• Multiple-Nuclei Model:

  • Proposed by Harris and Ullman (1945)—cities grow around multiple nodes not just the CBD.

  • Economic activities cluster in nodes based on transportation and economic needs.

• Galactic City Model:

  • An evolution of multiple-nuclei model explaining decentralized cities with connections to suburban centers.

16.3 URBAN HOUSING

• Cultural Reflections on Land Use:

  • Housing patterns reflect cultural values and balance of power.

• Residential Land Use:

  • Patterns differ across densities: high density near CBD, lower density further out.

  • Wealth affects living proximity to city centers; affluent families often trade space for commute.

  • Example Cities:

    • New York City: Densely populated with skyscrapers.

    • Paris: High density due to apartment-centric living.

• Factors Influencing Urban Density:

  • History, geography, cultural preferences, housing types.

  • Zoning: Regulates land use, influencing housing density and expansion.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT

• Importance of Infrastructure:

  • Infrastructure supports quality of life and economic functions.

  • Critical structures include transit systems, utilities, and roads.

  • Strong infrastructure correlates with economic growth, improved living standards.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF CITIES

• Municipal Governance:

  • Responsibilities include infrastructure maintenance, public safety, services.

  • Fragmented governments can hinder regional collaboration on urban planning.

• Qualitative and Quantitative Data:

  • Cities utilize both types of data for urban planning and response strategies.

  • Qualitative: Interviews, narratives. Quantitative: Census data, numerical analysis.

SUMMARY

• Urban land-use patterns are shaped by economic, social, and historical influences.

• Models help understand city structures, including varying densities and governance challenges.

• Strong infrastructure and effective governance are key for urban development and quality of life.