Classic Urban Models

Three models of urban structure:

– Concentric Zone model– Sector Model– Multiple Nuclei Model

Use of the models outside North America:

– European cities– LDC’s

A. Concentric Zone Model

1. Ernest Burgess (1920s): depicts use of urban land as a set of concentric rings

- each ring devoted to a different land use (studied Chicago)

2. Concentric Zones:

Zone I: Central Business District (CBD) that is the most accessible zone where most of the tertiary employment is located

Zone II: Zone of Transition where many industrial activities locate (nearby labor, markets, transport terminals like ports & rail)

Zone III: Zone of Independent Workers is used by some industrial activities in inner cities and ethnic enclaves- contains the poorest segment of the urban population

Zone IV: Zone of Better Residences is dominated by the working class (often second generation immigrants)

Zone V: Commuter Zone represents higher quality suburban housing linked with higher commuting costs

Cleveland, Ohio

The density gradient in Cleveland

shows the expansion of dense

population outward from the city

center over time.

Social Area Analysis: Percent Renters IN

Indianapolis, IN

The distribution of renters in Indianapolis illustrates the concentric zone model

3. Concentric Zone Weaknesses:

– too simple– developed for American cities– cars uncommon at time (horses &

streetcars)– assumes reliance on public transit– lots of spatial differences in terms of

ethnic & social patterns

B. Sector Model1. study done in 1939 by Homer Hoyt in

Chicago

2. land use NOT random: defined by functional sectoral wedges

- transportation “corridors” impact land uses- rail lines, major roads, public transport create

“sectors”

THE Hoyt “SeCTOR MODEL”

In his model, Hoyt is taking into account differences in accessibility and, therefore, in land values

along transportation routes

Indianapolis: Household Income

The distribution of high income households in Indianapolis is an example of a sector model.

C. Multiple Nuclei Model

1. the Harris & Ullman Multi-Nuclei Model (1945) looks at a city as being multi-nucleated with a downtown center & satellite centers on the periphery

– presence of many competing decentralized centers– reflects influence of automobile

Five areas:1. CBD2. Wholesaling & light manufacturing area3. Heavy industrial area4. Residential areas5. Outlying suburban areas

Indianapolis: Ethnic Patterns

The distribution of minorities in Indianapolis is an example of a multiple nuclei model.

URBAN MODEL COMPRISONS

St. Louis Metropolitan Area?

The metropolitan area of St. Louis is spread over several counties and two states.

Typical Present-day U.S. City

The “Galactic” City

D. Social Differences in Cities

1. Urban life different due to:

– large size– high population

density– socially diversity

Social Geography of U.S. & Canadian Cities

E. Political Definitions of Cities

1. Urban settlements defined in three ways:

– by a legal boundary (a self-governing political unit)

– a continuously built-up area– a functional area

Megalopolis

The Boston–Washington corridor contains about 1/4th of U.S. population.