6.5.

1 The Internal
Structure of US
Cities
Objective and Essential Learning
Explain the internal structure of cities using various
models and theories.
▪ Models and theories that are useful for explaining internal structure of cities include
the Burgess concentric-zone model, the Hoyt sector model, the Harris and Ullman
multiple-nuclei model, the galactic city model, bid-rent theory...

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What impacts
the spatial
development
of a city?
Why do cities look the way they do?

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Bid-Rent Theory
The value of land is influenced by its distance
from the market/city center (CBD).
▪ Most desirable and accessible land is near
the CBD and costs the most money.
▪ The least desirable and accessible land is
located the furthest from the CBD and costs
the least money.
▪ Useful to explain the structure of cities
▫ Closest to the city center are businesses
and stores that make substantial profits
and need to be available for customers.
▫ Manufacturing, warehouses need space
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and access to transportation services.
Burgess Concentric Zone Model
Based on the development of Chicago in the
1920s. Concentric rings are used to classify each
type of land use pattern.

▪ Ring #1. Bid-Rent Theory -> The CBD is the

location of major economic activity and the
most expensive land.
▪ Ring #2: Zone of Transition. Factories and
industry with a mix of low income apartments.
▪ Ring #3. Another ring of low income housing.
High population density, poor living conditions.
▪ Rings #4 & 5.As distance from the CBD
increases, the cost of land is less expensive -> 5
Hoyt Sector Model
Based on improving the Concentric Zone Model. Use
of sectors/wedges to classify each type of land use
pattern.
▪ Sectors develop along transportation routes.
▪ Low income housing develops surrounding
industry and major transportation routes.
▪ Middle and high-income housing develops
further from the city center and manufacturing
so as not to experience heavy traffic, pollution,
etc.

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Harris and Ullman Multiple Nuclei Model
Cities develop around multiple focal points and
build outwards to create a functional region. Site
and situational factors influence land-use patterns.
▪ CBD remains an important location, however
there are other, smaller business districts in
various locations.
▪ Manufacturing & Industry are located near
transportation routes for easier shipping.
▪ Similar businesses locate near each other to
take advantage of labor pools, suppliers and
communication.
▪ Middle and high-income housing develops
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further from the city center and industry so as
Galactic City Model
Most modern; developed in the 1980s.
Focuses on the decentralization and
suburbanization of urban
environments.
▪ As suburbanization and the
ownership of cars increased
starting in the 1950s, urban areas
developed differently than in the
past.
▪ Includes edge cities which are like
mini-CBDs, which include
shopping, entertainment, and
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offices and are typically located
 What is the
point?
The models discussed so far help us understand HOW cities
developed in the United States over time, while also
providing information about WHY the cities developed in
specific spatial patterns. The biggest impact in the
development of American cities is TRANSPORTATION
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INNOVATIONS!
Objective and Essential Learning
Explain the internal structure of cities using various
models and theories.
▪ Models and theories that are useful for explaining internal structure of cities include
the Burgess concentric-zone model, the Hoyt sector model, the Harris and Ullman
multiple-nuclei model, the galactic city model, bid-rent theory...

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6.5.2 The Internal
Structure of World
Cities
Objective and Essential Learning
Explain the internal structure of cities using various
models and theories.
▪ Models and theories that are useful for explaining internal structure of cities include
urban models drawn from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

12
World City Models
Latin American City Model
▪ Shares basic structures of the Concentric
Zone and Sector City Models.
▪ Characteristized by the “spine” that runs
from the modernized CBD in the center,
through wealthy housing and connects to
a secondary urban center called the mall.
▫ Spine: High-end commercial sector.
▫ Market: Traditional market
▪ As distance from the CBD increases,
housing becomes less expensive due to a
lack of critical infrastructure available in 13
those areas.
World City Models
Latin American City Model
▪ Disamenity Zones: Locations that are
typically steep, mountainous, and
dangerous terrain that are not connected
to city services.
▫ Squatter Settlements: Also known as
“favelas” or “barrios” form on the
outskirts of the city and in the
disamenity zone.
▪ Zone of In Situ Accretion: Mixed-quality
housing, a transitional zone from elite
housing to squatter settlements. 14
World City Models
African City Model
▪ Characteristized by 3 CBDs, and reflects
the influence of colonialism throughout
the continent.
▪ Traditional CBD: Small shops, narrow
streets
▪ Colonial CBD: Big streets, straight, often
in grid-like patterns, with government
buildings with European architectural
styles. *Sense of place!
▪ Market Zone: Traditional open-air markets.
▪ Mostly outdated, but the 3 CBDs can still
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be seen on the *cultural landscape today
Government House in Lagos, Nigeria Palais de la Nation built in 1956 to
house the colonial-governor of the
Beligan Congo.

Open air market in Ghana 16

Cape Coast Castle in Ghana
World City Models
Southeast Asian City Model
▪ Characteristized by a port zone, which was
the center of commerce in colonial SE Asia -
export oriented, so no CBD.
▪ History of Chinese immigrants throughout SE
Asia - on the model, there is a secondary
commercial zone for Chinese business called
the Alien commercial zone.
▪ History of colonialism results in a Western
commercial zone in which merchants from
European countries are located.
▪ Market gardening zone is distinctive due to
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the climate and agricultural land use in SE
 What is the
point?
The models discussed so far help us understand general
characteristics of cities in various world regions. These cities
are organized by specific land use patterns and oftentimes
reflect the history of European colonialism on the cultural
landscape. 18
Objective and Essential Learning
Explain the internal structure of cities using various
models and theories.
▪ Models and theories that are useful for explaining internal structure of cities include
urban models drawn from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

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