6.5 The Internal Structure of Cities

Provide an aerial view of the city of their country, satellite imagery of the city, and gps layout of the city 

Then describe the city's structure such as the CBD, Industrial, Residential, etc… using the models we learned in class. 

Concentric Zone Model:

• Central Business District (CBD): Mexico City has a well-defined CBD, known as the Zócalo, which is the historic and commercial heart of the city.

• Industrial zone: Historically, industrial areas were located near the CBD, but many have relocated to the outskirts or specialized industrial zones.

• Residential zones: Residential areas form concentric rings around the CBD, with lower-income housing closer to the center and higher-income housing in the suburbs.

Sector Model:

• Sectors developed along major transportation routes, such as highways and railways, with industrial and commercial activities concentrated along these corridors.

• Residential areas are also organized in sectors, with higher-income neighborhoods located in more desirable sectors, often towards the west and south.

Multiple Nuclei Model:

• Mexico City has multiple sub-centers or nuclei, including business districts like Santa Fe, Polanco, and Insurgentes, as well as specialized zones like industrial parks and residential suburbs.

• These nuclei are interconnected by a complex transportation network and serve as employment, commercial, and residential hubs.

Latin American City Model:

• This model highlights the historical influence of Spanish colonization, with a distinct CBD (Zócalo) and a grid-like pattern of streets radiating outward.

• Informal settlements or "colonias populares" have developed on the periphery, often lacking proper urban planning and infrastructure.

• The city exhibits socioeconomic segregation, with wealthier neighborhoods and gated communities contrasting with lower-income areas.

Galactic Model:

• Mexico City can be seen as the central "galactic nucleus," with surrounding municipalities and cities forming part of the larger metropolitan area or "galactic suburbs."

• These suburbs have their own sub-centers or nuclei, but they are economically and socially connected to the central city.

African City Model:

• While not directly applicable to Mexico City, this model emphasizes the influence of informal settlements and the coexistence of traditional and modern urban forms.

• Some informal settlements or "colonias populares" in Mexico City may exhibit characteristics of this model, with a lack of formal urban planning and a mix of traditional and contemporary housing and economic activities.