Sector model

Definition

The sector model is a theoretical framework in urban planning that suggests cities develop in specific sectors or wedges radiating out from the central business district (CBD) based on different land uses and socio-economic factors. This model highlights how urban growth is influenced by transportation routes, allowing for different zones of residential, commercial, and industrial development to emerge as the city expands outward from its center.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sector model was developed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939 as an alternative to the concentric zone model, emphasizing the role of transportation routes in shaping urban land use.
2. In the sector model, each sector extends outward from the CBD and can contain various types of housing, industrial areas, and recreational spaces, influenced by accessibility and socio-economic status.
3. The model predicts that certain types of development are more likely to occur along major transportation corridors, leading to the creation of sectors that are more desirable for different populations.
4. The sector model suggests that urban growth may not be uniform but can be uneven due to varying preferences for residential locations based on factors like income and access to amenities.
5. Although useful, the sector model has its limitations, as real-world cities may not always fit neatly into this framework due to cultural influences, policy decisions, and historical factors.

Review Questions

• How does the sector model differ from the concentric zone model in explaining urban development?
  • The sector model differs from the concentric zone model by proposing that cities grow in sectors or wedges extending from the central business district rather than in concentric rings. While the concentric zone model suggests a uniform pattern of development based on social class and distance from the center, the sector model accounts for transportation routes and varying socio-economic factors that lead to different types of land use emerging along specific corridors. This reflects a more dynamic view of urban growth influenced by accessibility.
• Evaluate how transportation plays a critical role in shaping the layout of urban areas according to the sector model.
  • Transportation is central to the sector model because it determines how different areas of a city are accessed and utilized. Major roads and transit routes can create distinct sectors where certain types of land use thrive, such as industrial zones developing along highways or affluent neighborhoods emerging near public transit lines. This connectivity affects property values and population distribution, highlighting that urban growth is not random but rather structured around accessibility and economic opportunities.
• Discuss the implications of the sector model for urban planning policies in modern cities dealing with issues like urban sprawl and zoning.
  • The sector model has important implications for urban planning as it suggests that planners should consider transportation infrastructure when designing zoning laws and managing urban sprawl. Understanding how different sectors develop allows planners to create policies that encourage efficient land use and reduce reliance on cars. For example, mixed-use developments along major transportation corridors can minimize sprawl while promoting sustainable communities. By applying insights from the sector model, planners can strategically enhance connectivity and quality of life in growing urban environments.

Related terms

Central Business District (CBD): The CBD is the commercial and business center of a city, characterized by high land values, a concentration of businesses, and limited residential population.

Urban Sprawl: Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often leading to increased dependence on automobiles and longer commuting distances.

Zoning: Zoning is the process of dividing land in a municipality into zones for different uses, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, to guide urban development.