Summary of Seven URBAN MODELS, Explained [AP Human Geo Review—Unit 6 Topic 5]

Summary of "Seven URBAN MODELS, Explained"

The video discusses seven urban models that explain the internal structure of cities, particularly in North America, while also addressing models applicable to other regions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding these models for academic purposes, particularly for AP Human Geography exams.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Purpose of Urban Models:
- Urban models help explain the arrangement and internal structure of cities.
- They provide insight into why certain types of buildings (residential, commercial, industrial) are located where they are within a city.
Basic Structure of Cities:
- Every city consists of three main entities:
  - Central Business District (CBD)
  - Industrial or Commercial District
  - Residential Areas
Key Considerations for Exam Preparation:
- Understand strengths and limitations of each model.
- Recognize how innovations in transportation influenced these models.
- Comprehend the location of different sectors and their relationships.
- Familiarity with Bid Rent Theory, which states that land value decreases with distance from the CBD.

Overview of the Seven Urban Models

Burgess Concentric Zone Model:
- Developed in the 1920s based on Chicago.
- Cities grow outward in concentric circles from the CBD.
- Zones include:
  - Zone 1: CBD
  - Zone 2: Zone of Transition (low-cost housing, industrial)
  - Zone 3: Working-Class Residential
  - Zone 4: Middle-Class Residential
  - Zone 5: Upper-Class Residential (suburban commuter zone)
- Limitation: Too simplistic and does not account for modern transportation.
Hoyt Sector Model:
- Introduced in 1939, adds directionality to urban structure.
- Cities develop in wedge-shaped sectors along transportation routes.
- Lower-income housing remains near industrial areas, while higher-income groups can afford to live further out.
- Limitation: Assumes predictable development patterns.
Multiple Nuclei Model:
- Developed in the 1940s, suggests cities grow around multiple nodes rather than a single CBD.
- Nodes can include specialized activities, economic benefits, and avoidance of negative industrial impacts.
- Limitation: Over time, distinct nuclei can blend together.
Galactic City Model:
- Addresses urban sprawl and the rise of suburban edge cities.
- Economic and residential nodes develop outside the CBD, connected by highways.
- Limitation: Becoming less relevant with the rise of the internet.
Latin American Model:
- Based on the structure of cities like Mexico City, reflecting colonial influences.
- Features a CBD with distinct areas for business and markets, surrounded by zones for different income levels.
- Zones include:
  - Zone of Maturity (middle class)
  - Zone of Invasion (lower income)
  - Disamenity zones (poorest residents).
Southeast Asian Model:
- Organized around water-based trading ports rather than a CBD.
- High-class residential areas are closer to the port.
- Unique aspects include market gardening zones.
Sub-Saharan African Model:
- Features multiple CBDs: colonial, traditional, and modern.
- Neighborhoods reflect distinct ethnic identities, with impoverished areas on the outskirts.
- Example city: Lagos, Nigeria.

Conclusion

The speaker encourages viewers to review the content for better understanding and exam preparation, promoting additional resources for study.

Speakers/Sources Featured

The primary speaker is Lou, who presents the content in an engaging manner aimed at students preparing for AP Human Geography exams.

Notable Quotes

— 00:10 — « Understanding and remembering all of these is about as pleasant as having a gangrenous leg removed in the 18th century where your only option for anesthesia was a dirty stick to bite on. »

— 02:06 — « If you need help getting an A in your class and a five on your exam in May, you might want to check out my AP Human Geography review guide. »

— 03:54 — « The main limitation of this model is that it's just too dang tidy to fit reality. »

— 08:38 — « This model is gradually becoming more obsolete with the rise of the internet which has given people access to shop and work from a distance. »

— 11:27 — « That was a beefy one, so give a high five for making it all the way through. »