American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What does the first ring of the Concentric Circle Theory represent?

1. Industrial zone

2. Zone of transition

3. Central Business District

4. Residential area

The correct answer is: Central Business District

The first ring of the Concentric Circle Theory represents the Central Business District (CBD). This theory, developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in the 1920s, portrays urban land use in a series of concentric circles radiating outwards from a central point. The CBD is characterized by a high concentration of commercial and business activities, making it the focal point of urban economic activity. The situation is such that the CBD is typically where businesses, retail, and high-rise buildings are concentrated, serving as the heart of the city's economic life. Due to its central location, the CBD also tends to have higher land values and density compared to outer areas. This zone is crucial for understanding urban planning and development as it sets the stage for how other areas around the city are organized and developed. In contrast, other areas like the zone of transition, industrial zone, and residential areas represent different functions and characteristics in the urban landscape, showing how land use changes as one moves further from the center. The CBD serves as a foundational element from which these other zones develop.