American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Who proposed the Concentric Circle Theory in urban development?

1. Ernest Burgess

2. Joel Garreau

3. Jane Jacobs

4. Le Corbusier

The correct answer is: Ernest Burgess

The Concentric Circle Theory, also known as the Burgess Model, was proposed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925. This model describes urban social structures and uses concentric circles to illustrate how different social groups are organized within a city. According to Burgess, cities grow outward from a central point in a series of concentric rings. The innermost ring is characterized by industrial and commercial activities, while the outer rings represent residential areas that are more affluent. Burgess's model is important because it helped to understand the spatial distribution of social classes within urban environments during the early 20th century. It highlights the relationship between urban structure and socioeconomic status, making it a cornerstone of urban sociology and planning studies. This model's relevance persists today, as it provides insight into urban growth patterns and socio-spatial dynamics. The other individuals mentioned in the options have made significant contributions to urban planning and development, but they are not associated with the Concentric Circle Theory. Joel Garreau is known for his work on edge cities and suburban development, Jane Jacobs advocated for community-based planning and critiqued modernist urban policies, and Le Corbusier was a pioneer of modern architecture with a focus on functional design and urban planning, but none