The concentric zone model theory, created by sociologist E.W. Burgess in 1925, explains urban growth patterns in Chicago, dividing the city into five zones: the central business district, zone of transition, lower income working zone, high-income residences, and commuter zone. Each zone is characterized by specific land uses and social groups, with the city growing outward from the CBD. However, the model has limitations, being overly simplistic, static, and primarily applicable to American cities of the 1950s.

1. Concentric Zone Model Theory
Presentedby
Gayathry Satheesan

2. Concentric Zone Model Theory
It was created by sociologist EW Burgess in 1925.
Based on a study of land use patterns and social group in
Chicago.
City grows outward beginning with the CBD.
Similar & functionally related activities will locate at the same
distance from CBD.
Formation of zones is based on accessibility in distance to the
city center.

5. City is divided in to 5 concentric zones:
• Zone I Central Business District
• Zone II Zone of Transition
• Zone III Lower Income working People
• Zone IV High Income Residences
• Zone V Commuter Zone

6. Central Business District
• Social and civic life of city is found in this zone.
• It contains shopping areas, hotels, office buildings, banks,
theatres, wholesale centers, and other businesses.
• Public uses should be equidistant from the surrounding areas
• It also contains economic, political and cultural life of the city.
• City parks, marriage halls, higher order education facilities,
hospitals are also located in the center.

7. Zone of Transition
• Characterized by mixed pattern of industrial and residential
land use.
• This zone is identified by both area wise and population wise.
• This area may be slated for expansion if the business is good.
• The residential area also starts from this zone.
• Other identifying features of this zone are the old structures,
apartments ,residential slums and shabby homes.

8. Lower Income Working Zone
• Lower status residential area
• The "working men quarters"
• Solid blue-collar, located close to factories of zones 1 and 2
• More stable than the transition zone around the CBD
• Often characterized by ethnic neighborhoods
• Spreading outward because of pressure from transition zone
and because blue-collar workers demanded better housing

9. High Income Residences
• It contains large residential area of city.
• It is also called high class residential zone in the Concentric Zone
Model Theory
• Well decorated, undivided and costly constructed high class
residences are found in this zone.
• Buildings with high quality infrastructure and community facilities
are included in this zone.
• In most cases, this zone may be the most accessible area from all parts
of the city

10. Commuters' Zone
• In this zone, all the suburban communities found along
the arteries of transportation.
• As growth occurs, each inner zone of the generalized
diagram tends to invade the next outer zone.

11. Limitations
• Too simple and Static
• Limited in historical and cultural applications.
• It is a product of its time. (1950s)
• The model was developed for American cities and has
limited applicability elsewhere.
• Ignorance to the process of redevelopment

12. Thank you..