Urban Models for AP Human Geography

Introduction

• Review of 7 different urban models for AP Human Geography.
• Importance of the bid-rent theory:
  • Land cost decreases as distance from the CBD increases.
  • High-density areas near CBD; lower density further away.
  • Skyscrapers near CBD due to high land prices.
  • Manufacturing and residential zones further out.

Urban Models

1. Burgess Concentric Zone Model

• Developed based on 1920s Chicago.
• CBD: Businesses and services at the center.
• Zone of Transition: Older homes, lower-income residents, industries.
• Working-Class Homes: Older homes, workers from CBD.
• Better Residence Zone: Newer homes, single-family homes with yards.
• Commuter Zone: Residents live outside city limits.
• Model becoming outdated due to globalization and urban renewal.

2. Hoyt Sector Model

• Focus on transportation routes.
• Development in wedges/sectors.
• Economic activities centered around transportation routes (highways, railroads).
• Model is dated due to changes in transportation and suburban growth.

3. Harris and Ullman Multiple Nuclei Model

• Developed in 1945.
• Multiple CBDs, complex spatial layout.
• Different activities and services attracted to specific nodes.
• Nodes attract specific businesses and services.

4. Galactic (Peripheral) Model

• Developed in the 1960s, post-industrial city.
• Economy shifted from manufacturing to services.
• Importance of edge cities and beltways.
• Example: Atlanta with beltways, residential areas, and industrial zones.

5. Latin American City Model

• Mix of concentric and sector models.
• Influenced by European colonization.
• Central plaza with government and religious buildings.
• CBD: Central business district.
• Spine: Wealthier residents and commercial activity.
• Zone of Maturity: Older homes and buildings.
• Peripheral Areas: Middle and low-income housing.
• Disamenity Zone: Extreme poverty, informal settlements.

6. Sub-Saharan African City Model

• Impact of European colonization.
• Three CBDs:
  • Colonial CBD: Historic core, grid pattern.
  • Traditional CBD: Vendors, low-rise buildings.
  • Informal CBD: Informal markets, manufacturing.
• Ethnic neighborhoods around CBD.
• Major roads divide city, legacy of colonial and apartheid era.
• Squatter settlements on outskirts due to urbanization.

7. Southeast Asian City Model

• Mix of concentric and sector models.
• No traditional CBD; city based around a port.
• Impact of geography, colonial trade, and rapid urbanization.
• Alien Commercial Zone: Extends from port, promotes trade.
• Government Zones: Adjacent to port and economic zones.
• Mixed residential areas with suburban and squatter settlements.
• Agricultural and industrial production outside city.

Conclusion

• Reviewed various city models and their characteristics.
• Prompted to answer practice questions.

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