Fundamental Urban Models to Know for AP Human Geography

Fundamental urban models help us understand how cities are organized and function. These models, like the Concentric Zone Model and Sector Model, reveal patterns of land use, socio-economic status, and urban growth, connecting geography to real-world urban experiences.

1. Concentric Zone Model (Burgess Model)

   • Developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925, this model illustrates urban land use in concentric circles.
   • The model consists of five zones: the Central Business District (CBD), zone of transition, zone of working-class homes, zone of better residences, and the commuter zone.
   • It emphasizes socio-economic status, with lower-income groups residing closer to the city center and wealthier populations living further out.

2. Sector Model (Hoyt Model)

   • Proposed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939, this model suggests that cities develop in sectors or wedges rather than concentric circles.
   • Each sector represents different land uses, such as industrial, residential, and commercial, radiating out from the CBD.
   • The model accounts for transportation routes and their influence on urban growth, showing how certain areas attract specific types of development.

3. Multiple Nuclei Model (Harris and Ullman Model)

   • Introduced by Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman in 1945, this model posits that cities have multiple centers (nuclei) of activity rather than a single CBD.
   • Each nucleus serves different functions, such as industrial, commercial, and residential, leading to a more complex urban structure.
   • The model reflects the decentralization of cities and the rise of suburban areas, accommodating diverse land uses.

4. Central Place Theory

   • Developed by Walter Christaller in 1933, this theory explains the size and distribution of human settlements in a hierarchical manner.
   • It posits that central places (cities and towns) serve as 'central' locations for the provision of goods and services to surrounding areas.
   • The theory emphasizes the importance of market areas and the concept of threshold and range in determining the viability of businesses.

5. Bid Rent Theory

   • This economic theory explains how land prices and demand change as one moves away from the CBD.
   • It suggests that different land users (residential, commercial, industrial) are willing to pay varying amounts for land based on their proximity to the city center.
   • The theory illustrates the competition for land use and how it shapes urban land use patterns.

6. Urban Realms Model

   • Developed in the 1960s, this model describes the spatial structure of modern cities, particularly in the context of suburbanization.
   • It suggests that cities are composed of multiple realms or regions, each with its own economic and social functions.
   • The model highlights the importance of transportation networks and the decentralization of urban activities.

7. Latin American City Model

   • This model, developed by Ernest Griffin and Larry Ford, illustrates the unique urban structure of Latin American cities.
   • It features a CBD, a zone of maturity, and a peripheral model with squatter settlements and informal housing.
   • The model reflects colonial influences, socio-economic disparities, and the impact of rapid urbanization.

8. Southeast Asian City Model

   • Proposed by T.G. McGee, this model describes the urban structure of Southeast Asian cities, which often lack a clear CBD.
   • It features a port zone, a commercial zone, and various ethnic neighborhoods, reflecting colonial history and trade.
   • The model emphasizes the role of the port in shaping urban development and the presence of informal settlements.

9. African City Model

   • This model, developed by de Blij, illustrates the unique urban structure of African cities, characterized by multiple CBDs.
   • It includes a colonial CBD, a traditional CBD, and informal settlements, reflecting historical and socio-economic factors.
   • The model highlights the challenges of urbanization, such as rapid population growth and inadequate infrastructure.

10. Galactic City Model (Edge City Model)

    • Introduced by Joel Garreau in the 1990s, this model describes the decentralized urban form of post-industrial cities.
    • It features a CBD surrounded by suburban areas and edge cities, which are self-sufficient urban centers with their own commercial and residential areas.
    • The model emphasizes the role of transportation corridors and the shift towards a more polycentric urban structure.