American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Who developed the "Concentric Zone Theory"?

1. Patrick Geddes

2. Kevin Lynch

3. Ernest Burgess

4. Robert Moses

The correct answer is: Ernest Burgess

The "Concentric Zone Theory" was developed by Ernest Burgess in the 1920s as a sociological model to explain urban social structures. This theory proposes that cities grow and expand outward from a central point in a series of concentric rings, each representing different types of land use and social groups. Burgess's model categorized urban areas into zones, starting from the central business district (CBD) in the center, transitioning through zones of transition, working-class homes, middle-class homes, and finally to commuter zones on the outskirts. Each zone represents varying degrees of urbanization, population density, and socio-economic conditions. This framework was significant in the fields of urban planning and sociology as it provided a visual representation of urban growth patterns and the socio-economic stratification within cities, influencing subsequent urban studies and theories. Understanding Burgess's contribution offers insight into how city planning and social phenomena can be interconnected, shaping the development of urban environments in the 20th century and beyond.