American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which planning concept emphasizes the layout of urban areas based on concentric circles?

1. Concentric Zone Model

2. Sector Model

3. Multiple Nuclei Model

4. Linear City Model

The correct answer is: Concentric Zone Model

The planning concept that emphasizes the layout of urban areas based on concentric circles is the Concentric Zone Model. This model, developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in the 1920s, illustrates how urban areas develop in a series of concentric circles radiating outward from a central point, often referred to as the central business district (CBD). The first zone surrounding the CBD typically includes low-income housing and is characterized by higher population density. Subsequent zones outward comprise middle-class housing and suburban areas, reflecting the socio-economic stratification of urban residents as one moves further from the city center. This model effectively highlights the relationship between urban land use, social structure, and distance from the urban core, thereby providing insight into urban growth patterns and social dynamics. The other models mentioned represent different perspectives on urban planning. The Sector Model, for instance, suggests that cities develop in wedges or sectors rather than concentric circles, while the Multiple Nuclei Model posits that cities have various centers of activity rather than a single CBD. The Linear City Model offers yet another perspective by proposing that urban development occurs along transportation corridors rather than in a radial format. Each of these models contributes uniquely to the understanding of urban development but does not adhere to the concent