Models of Urban Land Use

Economic Rent

Why are high rises in the centre of cities? Because that is where land is most expensive.

Each individual square metre has to be used for maximum profit. High rise buildings help solve this.

Economic rent decreases as you travel from CBD.

Concentric Zone Model (Burgess) Different zones based on economic rent

and maximising profit from land.

Concentric Zone Model

Very simple pattern of concentric circles.Stop and ThinkCan you think of factors which add complexity to such a

simple model?

LAND/TOPOGRAPHY

TRANSPORT ROUTES

WATER BODIES

PLANNING

Sector Model (Hoyt)

Similar to concentric zone model but with wedges of similar land use along transport lines.

Sector Model

Shows more complexity than Burgess’ model. Recognises that cities can change – new

transport routes can alter the morphology and land use.

Stop and ThinkWhat is the advantage of locating a business on a

main road?What are some examples of sectors of industry

and retail radiating along the main roads in Wagga?

Multiple Nuclei Model (Harris/Ullman) More complex model involving the

development of urban areas around pre-existing villages.

Multiple Nuclei Model

Each village will develop on economic activities and social attractiveness.

More than one CBD, although one will be dominant

Stop and ThinkHow does Canberra fit the multiple nuclei model?Where are Wagga’s secondary nuclei located?Why do you think they are there?Which one is likely to grow the most in the future?

Why?

Urban Ecology Structure (Murdie) Complex interaction of housing, ethnicity,

economic activity and physical space.

Urban Ecology Structure

Ethnicity – cells of different ethnic origin eg. Vietnamese in Cabramatta, Jewish in Eastern Suburbs

Residential – Housing (and usually families too) get younger the further from the centre.

Economics – Sectors of different commercial, industrial and services aggregated from centre.

Physical – infrastructure, topography and water bodies.