Regional Variation in Urban Structure

That’s Urban!

Medieval Cities

• Rise of mercantile trade

• Centers of commerce

• Shape reflects needs of era

Modern Europe

• Medieval center

• Suburban poverty

• Removed modern CBD

Latin American Cities

• Griffin-Ford Model

• Disamenity Sectors

• Spine; Elite residences

Buenos Aries, Argentina

African Cities

• Colonialism

• Clustered central areas– Colonial CBD– Traditional CBD– Market zone

• Ethnic neighborhoods

• Satellite townships

Nairobi, Kenya

Asian Cities

• Western, native and Chinese centers

• Port Zone

• Squatter settlements interspersed

Jakarta, Indonesia

World Cities

• Provide services and have influence globally– Entrepôts– Financial Services– Culture

• Alpha, Beta, Gamma– Based on global reach

Forward Capitals

• Centers of government created to be a reflection of national aspirations

Astana, Kazakhstan

Washington, DC

Canberra, Australia

Brasilia, Brazil