Question

a
In one sentence, identify the zone model that has been applied most frequently to cities in developing countries.
In 2–3 sentences, describe Mexico City using this model, including at least one feature of the city that is consistent with this model and at least one feature of this city that is not consistent with the model.
In 2–3 sentences, analyze the development of the Lake Texcoco site in relation to sustainability. If a similar project were proposed today, would it be considered sustainable? Explain why or why not.

Answer 1

The concentric zone model (Burgess) is the zone model most often applied to cities in developing countries.

Using that model, Mexico City can be seen as a central historic core (the Zócalo/CBD) surrounded by rings of mid- and lower-income residential areas with peripheral informal settlements (e.g., large populous marginal barrios in Iztapalapa), which fits the concentric pattern of socio-economic segregation. However, Mexico City departs from the model because it has multiple commercial/office nodes and edge-city developments (e.g., Santa Fe, Polanco) and growth shaped by topography and transport corridors rather than perfect concentric rings.

The development of the Lake Texcoco site — draining and filling the lake to expand Mexico City — destroyed wetlands, caused severe ground subsidence, increased flood risk and water-supply problems, and reduced biodiversity, outcomes that are environmentally and socially unsustainable. A similar project proposed today would generally be judged unsustainable because it destroys critical ecosystem services and magnifies long-term hazards (subsidence, flooding, water scarcity) unless it incorporated major ecological restoration, climate-resilient design, and strict water-management and social safeguards.