concentric zone model
Definition
The Concentric Zone Model is a theory developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925, which suggests that urban towns and cities grow in a series of concentric circles, each with distinct functions and characteristics. The model starts from the central business district (CBD) at the center, expanding outwards through zones of transition, working-class homes, residential areas, and commuter zones.
Analogy
Imagine a dartboard where the bullseye represents the city's commercial heart (the CBD), and each surrounding ring signifies different residential or industrial zones moving outward. Just as each ring on the dartboard has its own unique role and distance from the center, so do the zones in an urban area according to the Concentric Zone Model.
Related terms
Urbanization: The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.
Central Business District (CBD): The commercial and often geographic heart of a city, characterized by high density of office buildings, retail shops, and services.
Zone of Transition: An area in urban cities directly surrounding the CBD, often marked by mixed-use but experiencing change or deterioration, where industrial and residential properties intermingle
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