Homer Hoyt

Definition

Homer Hoyt was an American urban planner and economist known for developing the Sector Model of urban land use in the 1930s. This model outlines how cities expand outward in wedge-shaped sectors rather than concentric circles, highlighting the influence of transportation and economic factors on urban structure.

Case Studies

Chicago in the early 20th century, where Hoyt observed that higher-income residential areas expanded outward from the city center along favorable transport routes.

Impact

Hoyt's Sector Model influenced urban planning by suggesting that cities develop in wedge-shaped sectors rather than concentric zones, affecting housing policy and transportation planning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Homer Hoyt published his influential work, 'The Structure and Growth of Residential Neighborhoods in American Cities,' in 1939, which outlined his Sector Model.
2. Hoyt's model was developed based on the study of 60 American cities, emphasizing the importance of transportation lines in shaping urban growth patterns.
3. The Sector Model suggests that different socio-economic groups are located in distinct wedges, leading to varied residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
4. Hoyt argued that cities expand along major transportation routes, allowing certain sectors to develop more rapidly due to accessibility.
5. Hoyt's work remains relevant today, as many modern cities exhibit patterns that align with his Sector Model, showcasing how urban land use continues to evolve.

Review Questions

• How does Homer Hoyt's Sector Model differ from the Concentric Zone Model in explaining urban land use?
  • Homer Hoyt's Sector Model differs from the Concentric Zone Model primarily in its depiction of city growth patterns. While the Concentric Zone Model suggests that cities expand outward in concentric circles based on social class and land use, Hoyt's Sector Model illustrates that cities develop in wedge-shaped sectors influenced by transportation routes. This means that certain areas may grow more rapidly along major roads or railways, leading to a more complex and varied urban landscape.
• Evaluate the relevance of Homer Hoyt's Sector Model to modern urban planning practices.
  • Homer Hoyt's Sector Model remains relevant to modern urban planning because it accounts for the impact of transportation networks on city growth and land use patterns. Urban planners often consider accessibility when designing new developments or infrastructure projects, as these factors can significantly influence where people live, work, and shop. By understanding the principles behind Hoyt's model, planners can create more efficient and effective urban environments that respond to current socio-economic trends.
• Analyze the implications of Hoyt's Sector Model for understanding social stratification within urban environments.
  • Hoyt's Sector Model provides valuable insights into social stratification by illustrating how different socio-economic groups are distributed across a city. The model suggests that higher-income residents may occupy sectors closer to desirable amenities and transport routes, while lower-income populations are pushed to less accessible areas. This spatial distribution highlights issues of inequality within urban settings and can inform policies aimed at addressing housing affordability, accessibility, and community development to foster a more equitable urban environment.

Related terms

Sector Model: An urban land use model that proposes cities develop in sectors or wedges extending out from the central business district, influenced by factors like transportation routes and social classes.

Concentric Zone Model: A model developed by Ernest Burgess that describes urban land use as a series of concentric circles, each representing different social groups and functions.

Urbanization: The process by which rural areas transform into urban areas as a result of population growth and economic development.