Sector model

Definition

The sector model is a theory of urban land use that suggests cities develop in a series of sectors or wedges radiating out from the central business district (CBD). This model highlights how different social groups are arranged in urban space, with particular emphasis on the transportation routes that shape the growth patterns of cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sector model was developed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939 as a modification of the concentric zone model, aiming to explain urban spatial structure more accurately.
2. According to this model, cities expand outward in sectors along major transportation routes, such as railways and highways, facilitating easy access for residents and businesses.
3. Different sectors represent various socio-economic groups, with high-income neighborhoods typically located along desirable transportation corridors.
4. The sector model suggests that industrial zones also develop along these transportation lines, impacting residential patterns as workers seek proximity to their jobs.
5. Hoyt's sector model has been influential in understanding urban planning and development, shaping policies aimed at managing growth and improving urban living conditions.

Review Questions

• How does the sector model enhance our understanding of urban development compared to earlier models like the concentric zone model?
  • The sector model enhances our understanding by illustrating that urban development is not just about concentric circles but also about sectors that extend outward from the central business district. This approach recognizes the role of transportation routes in shaping urban growth and allows for a more nuanced view of how different socio-economic groups occupy space in a city. It reveals patterns of urban segregation and land use that earlier models may have overlooked.
• Evaluate the impact of transportation routes on the development of sectors in urban areas according to the sector model.
  • Transportation routes significantly influence sector development by dictating where businesses and residents cluster. In the sector model, these routes create favorable conditions for certain types of land use, such as high-income residential areas or industrial zones. As cities grow outward along these corridors, accessibility becomes key, leading to greater demand for housing and services near major thoroughfares. This ultimately shapes the socio-economic landscape of urban areas.
• Critically analyze how the sector model could inform modern urban planning strategies in response to challenges like urban sprawl.
  • The sector model can inform modern urban planning strategies by emphasizing the importance of integrating transportation planning with land use decisions. By recognizing how sectors form around transportation routes, planners can create policies that promote higher density developments along these corridors while preserving open spaces in other areas. This approach can mitigate issues like urban sprawl by encouraging mixed-use developments that reduce reliance on cars, improve public transit options, and foster sustainable communities that balance growth with environmental considerations.

Related terms

central business district (CBD): The commercial and business center of a city, characterized by high land values and a concentration of retail and office buildings.

urban sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often leading to increased traffic congestion and environmental issues.

land use planning: The process of managing land resources to meet the needs of current and future populations, involving zoning regulations and development strategies.