URBAN LANDUSE MODELS

HIGHERHIGHER

Models of Urban Structure

A model is a simplified version of A model is a simplified version of what occurs in real life.what occurs in real life.

Urban models show common Urban models show common characteristics of cities.characteristics of cities.

Urban Models are based on Urban Models are based on assumptions.assumptions.

The Burgess Land use Model – Concentric Zones

1924

CBD

Major shops and OfficesMajor shops and Offices The most accessible point of the The most accessible point of the

citycity The original core of the cityThe original core of the city Very low residential population.Very low residential population.

Zone of transition

Made up of old housing and Made up of old housing and factories.factories.

Stages of deterioration and Stages of deterioration and redevelopment.redevelopment.

Areas of low class housingAreas of low class housing Terraced or tenementsTerraced or tenements Over crowdedOver crowded Close to industryClose to industry

Medium class residential

Housing built during inter war Housing built during inter war period.period.

Population density is lower than Population density is lower than previous zone.previous zone.

High Class Residentialor Modern Suburbia Houses mainly semi detached or Houses mainly semi detached or

detacheddetached Well plannedWell planned Lots of open spaceLots of open space Good transport linksGood transport links Lower population densityLower population density

Burgess Model Assumptions City built on a flat surface.City built on a flat surface. Transport easy in all directions.Transport easy in all directions. Land value highest in city centreLand value highest in city centre Oldest buildings close to city Oldest buildings close to city

centrecentre Poorer classes have to live near Poorer classes have to live near

work and city centre.work and city centre.

But can this really happen? Criticisms. Zones are never that clearly Zones are never that clearly

defined.defined. Zones usually have a mix of land Zones usually have a mix of land

usesuses Cities rarely on large flat plains.Cities rarely on large flat plains. No edge of city developments.No edge of city developments. Oldest housing not always found in Oldest housing not always found in

centre.centre.

The Sector Model Based on Transport Routes.

Basic Assumptions

Wealthy people choose to live near Wealthy people choose to live near transport links. transport links.

They can afford cars so can live further They can afford cars so can live further from industry.from industry.

Similar land uses attract similar land Similar land uses attract similar land uses.This means certain functions are uses.This means certain functions are located in certain areas.located in certain areas.

But certain functions also repel each But certain functions also repel each other.other.

Criticisms

Areas of low cost housing do not Areas of low cost housing do not occur beside main roads as occur beside main roads as predicted.predicted.

Assumes no planning controls.Assumes no planning controls. Does not take account of suburbs.Does not take account of suburbs.

The Multiple Nuclei Model

Assumptions

The central business district will often be The central business district will often be found near the original retail area of the found near the original retail area of the city. city.

Warehousing and light industrial areas Warehousing and light industrial areas will develop adjacent to the CBD and will develop adjacent to the CBD and along transport links such as railways along transport links such as railways and roads.and roads.

Heavy industry will locate on the Heavy industry will locate on the outskirts of towns or where the outskirts outskirts of towns or where the outskirts were when the development took place, were when the development took place, since growth of the urban area may since growth of the urban area may have overrun this area by now. have overrun this area by now.

Residential areas will be found in the Residential areas will be found in the remaining space.remaining space.

Criticisms

The model is not based on any particular The model is not based on any particular citycity

It has a very weak spatial rule – in that it It has a very weak spatial rule – in that it doesn’t provide a clear picture.doesn’t provide a clear picture.

Manns Compromise Model

Assumptions

Elements of both Burgess and Hoyt models.Elements of both Burgess and Hoyt models. SW wind blows smoke and pollution SW wind blows smoke and pollution

towards East.towards East. Wealthy choose to live in pleasant Wealthy choose to live in pleasant

unpolluted areas.unpolluted areas.

Criticisms

Does not include inner city renewal.Does not include inner city renewal. Based on limited study of only three cities – Based on limited study of only three cities –

not entirely accurate.not entirely accurate.