URBAN STRUCTURE AND PATTERNS –

MODELS OF
URBAN STRUCTURE
• The term settlement refers to the result of the occupation and use of space.

• Cities emerge and evolve from the coalescence and symbiotic interaction of infrastructures, people
and economic activities.

• These interactions are systematic, generally in that they are related to development in the global
economy, and more specifically in that they manifest building and transport technologies.

• But these interactions are also sensitive to local context, in that settlements are individually resilient to
constraints in their evolutionary path.
Defining Concepts • Hinterland Region - which a city provides
services/draws resources
• Incorporation Process - of defining a city territory
and establishing a gov.
• Primate cities - Large city with majority of national
population (i.e. Paris)
• Urbanization Process - of concentrating population
in cities
• Conurbations – when cities grow and merge
together into vast urban areas
The shape of the
organically growing
city (from Doxiadis,
1968).
The shape of
the organically
growing city
(from
Doxiadis,
1968).
Urban Functions 
• Early functions
• Government centers
• Protection
• Agglomeration – division of labor

• Economy sectors
• Primary – extracts resources directly from earth
• Secondary – transforms raw materials from primary sector
• Tertiary (service sector)

• Economic bases
• Basic sector – produces exports
• Non-basic sector – services needs of the city
• Multiplier effect - # basic jobs multiplies # non-basic jobs
Central Place Theory - Walter Christaller

Three requirements

• Hinterlands divide the space completely so that every point inside the hinterland
is inside the hinterland of some market

• Hinterlands are uniform shape and size

• Within each market region distance between central place and furthest place
must be minimal
Types Of Road Given below are different types of road patterns:
Pattern
1.Rectangular or Block Pattern.

2.Radial Pattern

3.Hexagonal Pattern

4.Minimum travel Pattern

Rectangular Or Block Pattern:

• In a rectangular or block pattern, the whole area is divided into rectangular or block-
shaped plots. The roads and streets in block patterns intersect at 90° (right angle).
The roads in the Centre part of the grid are usually wider and their branch roads are
relatively narrow in width.
• The rectangular or block pattern of the road is normally considered as unsafe as the
vehicles meet in the opposite direction at the intersections. The chances of accidents
are higher in rectangular or block patterns.
• Advantages Of Rectangular Or Block Pattern:
• It is relatively easier to construct and maintain.
• The rectangular plots can be divided into smaller parts for the construction of 
buildings.
• It looks aesthetically pleasing.
• Disadvantages Of Rectangular Or Block Pattern:
• From a safety point of view, these roads are not considered safe.
Radial Pattern
• The radial pattern of the road network is the circular type of pattern.
• Depending on its layout, the radial pattern is further divided into three
types. They are as follows:
1.Radial or star and block pattern.
2.Radial or star and circular pattern.
3.Radial or star and grid pattern.
Radial Or Star And Block Pattern:

• This type of road pattern is basically the

combination of radial and block patterns. A
network of roads radiates from the center in the
outwards direction with a block pattern.
• The space between the networks of roads can be
utilized for the construction and development of
the area, town, or city.
Advantages:
• It is safer compared to a rectangular pattern.
• Less obstacles.
Disadvantages:
• This type of road pattern is effective when two-
lane ramp traffic does not have to merge at the
downstream end of the ramp.
Radial Or Star and Circular Pattern:

• It is a combination of radial and circular patterns.

The main roads in this network spread out from a
central point and are connected with concentric
circular roads, radiating in outwards directions.
• Advantages:
• This pattern is safer than the above-listed patterns
as the vehicles travel in the same direction.
• Better traffic management due to the presence of
roundabouts.
• Disadvantages:
• Its design is complex and it is quite challenging
to provide a good and required curve.
• Driving ability is affected due to its circular
shape.
Radial Or Star And Grid Pattern:

• It is a network of roads consisting

of a combination of radial and grid
patterns. A radial network of roads
spreads out from the center to the
outwards directions. Then the
radial streets are connected using a
grid pattern.
• Advantages:
• Reduction of cut-through traffic.
• Efficient use of land.
• Disadvantages:
• Construction cost is higher.
Hexagonal Pattern
• A hexagonal pattern is a network of roads that forms a
hexagonal shape, similar to a circular road pattern. At every
corner of the hexagon, three roads meet the built-up area.
Boundary by the sides of hexagon is further divided into
plots of suitable sizes.
• Advantages:
• The distance and the travel time are reduced.
• Congestion of traffic is minimized.
• Disadvantages:
• Traffic signs, lighting, and road markings should be properly
and adequately provided. To minimize the risk of accidents.
Thank you