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This section will examine the internal spatial organization and sociocultural evolution of global cities. The text outlines fundamental urban models, such as the concentric zone, sector, and multiple-nuclei theories, to explain how residential and commercial districts are arranged. It further explores how technological shifts in transportation, moving from streetcars to automobiles, have historically driven suburban expansion and decentralized urban cores. Additionally, the sources address the economic factors of land use, including bid-rent theory and the fiscal challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure. Specific attention is given to regional variations in city structures across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, the material highlights contemporary issues like gentrification, income inequality, and the diverse housing patterns that define modern metropolitan landscapes.
Module Guiding Questions
How do North American urban models compare to international ones?
What is 'bid-rent theory' and how does it shape cities?
How has transportation technology evolved to change city layout and density?
Module Key Terms
Bid-Rent Theory
A geographical theory stating that the price and demand for real estate change as the distance from the central business district (CBD) increases.
Central Business District (CBD)
The nucleus or "downtown" of a city, where retail stores, offices, and cultural activities are concentrated.
Concentric Zone Model
A model of city internal organization developed by E. W. Burgess, organized in five radiating rings from the CBD.
Edge Cities
Decentralized clusters of high-rise buildings, shopping centers, and office parks located near highway interchanges.
Fiscal Squeeze
A financial crisis occurring when city revenues are insufficient to meet the rising costs of infrastructure and services.
Galactic City Model
Also known as the peripheral model; describes a decentralized city where the CBD is linked to suburban nodes by a beltway.
Gentrification
The displacement of lower-income residents by higher-income residents as a neighborhood is renovated and improved.
Hoyt Sector Model
An urban model developed by Homer Hoyt that focuses on transportation and communication as the drivers of city layout in wedge-shaped sectors.
Infilling
The development of new retail, business, or residential spaces on vacant or underused land within already-developed urban areas.
Multiple-Nuclei Model
A model developed by Harris and Ullman showing urban districts organized around several independent nodes rather than a single CBD.
Perceived Density
A qualitative, general impression of the number of people present in a given area based on visual and sociocultural factors.
Population Density
A quantitative measure of the total population divided by the total land area.
Zoning Regulations
Local laws that dictate how specific parcels of land can be used (e.g., residential, commercial, or industrial).
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