American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Who published the "Concentric Zone" model of urban structure in 1925?

1. Ernest Burgess

2. Alfred Bettman

3. Peter Hall

4. Charles Lindblom

The correct answer is: Ernest Burgess

The "Concentric Zone" model of urban structure was published by Ernest Burgess in 1925 as part of his work on urban sociology in Chicago. This model conceptualizes urban land use in a series of concentric circles, each representing different social and economic groups. Burgess proposed that cities grow outward from a central point, with distinct zones emerging as population density and industrial activity expanded. This model provides a framework for understanding urban spatial organization, illustrating how residential patterns can reflect socioeconomic status and the dynamics of urban growth. It has significantly contributed to urban planning and sociology, influencing both theoretical and practical approaches to city planning. The other individuals mentioned, while notable in their fields, did not develop the concentric zone model. Alfred Bettman was known for his work in regional planning and decision theory, Peter Hall focused on urban geography and planning in the 20th century, and Charles Lindblom was a political scientist recognized for his theories on decision-making rather than urban structure. Therefore, the correct answer is linked directly to Burgess’s foundational contributions to urban studies.