Philippine Normal University Visayas 2SOC-13

The National Center for Teacher Education

Cadiz City, Negros Occ., Philippines MODELS OF URBAN STRUCTURE

FACULTAD, JACOB D.
NAME: ____________________________ SCORE: __________ / 30

I. Describe brie y the Classical Models of Urban Structure presented below.

Concentric Zone Model

The concentric zone model of urbanization is a theory that explains how cities grow and develop over time. It
suggests that cities grow outward from a central core, forming a series of concentric rings or zones.

1. The central business district (CBD) is the core of the city, typically featuring the highest density of commercial
and financial activity.

2. The zone of transition is the area immediately surrounding the CBD and is characterized by a mix of residential
and commercial land uses. This area is often more densely populated than the outer zones.

3. The zone of independent workers is the area further out from the zone of transition and is characterized by a
mix of residential and industrial land uses. Many of the people living in this area are workers who commute into the
CBD for their jobs.

4. The zone of better residences is the area further out from the zone of independent workers and is characterized
by higher-income, single-family homes. This area is often more affluent and has higher property values.

5. The commuters' zone is the outermost ring of the city and is characterized by low-density residential
development. Many of the people living in this area commute into the city for work.

Sector Model
The sector model of urbanization divides a city into different sectors, each with its own distinct characteristics.

1. The CBD (central business district) is the commercial and financial hub of the city, featuring skyscrapers, offices,
and other high-rise buildings. It is typically located in the center of the city and is the most densely populated and
developed area.

2. The wholesale and light manufacturing sector is typically located on the outskirts of the city, near transportation
corridors such as highways and rail lines. This area is characterized by warehouses, factories, and other industrial
buildings.

3. The lower class residential sector is typically located further away from the CBD and is characterized by
lower-income housing, such as apartments and public housing.

4. The middle class residential sector is typically located closer to the CBD and is characterized by single-family
homes and townhouses.

5. The upper class residential sector is typically located in the most desirable areas of the city, such as neighborhoods
with large, spacious homes and well-manicured lawns. These areas are often more affluent and have higher property
values.
Nuclei Model
The nuclei model of urbanization, also known as the multiple nuclei model, is a theory that explains how cities grow
and develop around multiple centers or nuclei, rather than a single central business district (CBD).

1. Heavy manufacturing areas are characterized by large-scale industrial operations, such as factories and
refineries. These areas are typically located on the outskirts of the city and may serve as a nucleus for further
development.

2. Sub business districts (SBDs) are smaller commercial centers that are located outside of the CBD. These areas
may feature a mix of retail, office, and residential development.

3. Residential suburbs are areas located outside of the CBD that are characterized by low-density residential
development, such as single-family homes and townhouses.

4. Industrial suburbs are areas located outside of the CBD that are characterized by industrial land uses, such as
warehouses and factories. These areas may also feature some residential development.

Human Geography & Demography

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