Sector Model

Definition

The Sector Model is an urban planning theory developed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939, which suggests that a city's layout is organized into distinct sectors or wedges radiating out from the center. This model emphasizes that different land uses are not randomly distributed but rather follow specific patterns based on economic and social factors, influencing urban growth and development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sector Model divides the city into sectors based on socioeconomic status, with higher-income groups residing in sectors farther away from the center.
2. Hoyt's model suggests that transportation routes significantly influence the arrangement of urban sectors, with main roads serving as conduits for growth.
3. The model emphasizes the importance of industry and commerce located along major transportation corridors, reflecting the economic activities of urban areas.
4. Hoyt's Sector Model was an evolution from earlier models, like the Concentric Zone Model, by introducing a more dynamic view of urban development.
5. The Sector Model has been influential in shaping modern urban planning and policies related to zoning and land use.

Review Questions

• How does the Sector Model explain the relationship between socioeconomic status and urban land use?
  • The Sector Model illustrates that different socioeconomic groups occupy distinct sectors in a city, with higher-income residents typically living in areas further from the central business district. This spatial arrangement suggests that wealthier populations prefer quieter, less congested environments while lower-income groups tend to be located closer to the city center, often near industrial areas. Thus, the model highlights how economic factors shape residential patterns and land use within urban environments.
• Discuss the implications of transportation routes in the Sector Model and how they influence urban growth.
  • In the Sector Model, transportation routes play a crucial role in shaping the layout of urban areas. Major roads and highways often facilitate economic activities by providing access for businesses and industries to connect with consumers. As a result, sectors develop along these transport corridors, leading to concentrated growth in areas with better connectivity. This means that urban planners must consider transportation infrastructure when planning for future growth and zoning regulations.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Sector Model compared to other urban planning theories like the Concentric Zone Model.
  • The Sector Model presents a more realistic representation of urban growth compared to the Concentric Zone Model by acknowledging the influence of transportation networks and socioeconomic factors on land use. Its emphasis on wedges allows for a better understanding of how different areas within a city develop based on industry and residential patterns. However, one limitation is that it may oversimplify complex urban dynamics, as cities often do not conform neatly to any single model due to various external influences such as policy decisions and market trends. Thus, while valuable for certain analyses, it should be used alongside other models for comprehensive urban planning.

Related terms

Concentric Zone Model: An urban land use model proposed by Ernest Burgess that depicts a city as a series of concentric rings, each representing different types of land use, starting from the central business district.

Multiple Nuclei Model: A theory of urban land use developed by Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman, which posits that cities have multiple centers or nuclei where different types of activities cluster, rather than following a single-center model.

Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, leading to low-density development and increased reliance on automobiles.