The Burgess Model, developed by sociologist Ernest W. Burgess in 1925, is a model that explains urban land use in a concentric zone model. It depicts how cities expand outward from a central point, typically the downtown area or central business district (CBD). The model consists of five concentric zones:
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Zone I: Central Business District (CBD)
- This is the innermost zone, characterized by high land values, commercial businesses, and little to no residential housing. It is the economic and cultural heart of the city.
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Zone II: Zone of Transition
- Surrounding the CBD, this zone features a mix of residential and commercial properties, often experiencing economic decline. It includes older housing, factories, and warehouses. This is typically where lower-income groups reside and where urban decay may occur.
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Zone III: Zone of Working-Class Homes
- This zone consists primarily of lower-middle-class and working-class housing. The homes here are typically older, often single-family homes or multi-family units, and the area may show some signs of improvement as it becomes more desirable.
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Zone IV: Zone of Better Residences
- This zone is characterized by middle-class housing, with better quality homes and more green spaces. The residences here are usually single-family homes with yards. The area is more suburban in nature.
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Zone V: Commuter Zone
- The outermost zone includes suburbs and exurbs, where residents typically commute to the city for work. This zone features larger homes, more land, and is primarily residential, reflecting a more affluent demographic.
Diagram Representation:
Zone V: Commuter Zone
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Zone IV: Zone of Better Residences
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Zone III: Zone of Working-Class Homes
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Zone II: Zone of Transition (Mixed)
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Zone I: Central Business District
In this diagram, each zone expands outward from the center (the CBD) to the outer edges of the city, illustrating the concentric nature of the model. This model reflects historical patterns of urban growth and socio-economic status in urban areas during the early 20th century.