Most cities contain several functional zones including central business districts (CBDs), shopping areas, industrial areas, residential areas, and recreational areas. CBDs are located in the heart of cities and contain major commercial activities. Shopping areas are located both within and outside of CBDs. Residential areas are generally located in the suburbs, with wealthier suburbs located further from city centers. Industrial areas are specially planned and located around cities. Recreational areas include parks located throughout cities. Land values are highest closest to CBDs and decrease further from city centers, with building heights also declining with distance from the core.

1. Functional Zones in Cities
Functional zones in cities
Most cities contain several functional zones.
 CBD (Central Business District)
 Shopping/Retail areas
 Industrial areas
 Residential areas
 Recreational areas
Case study- Paris
CBD in Paris- In the heart of the city. Main st. is called the Champs Elysees. Also
has many world famous shops and attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and The
Louvre.
Shopping areas- Paris has several large shopping areas outside its CBD.
Residential- Most people live in the suburbs. Western suburbs are the wealthiest.
Industrial- Specially planned industrial areas located around the city, whereas
expensive Jewellery, cosmetics and fashion are still made in the city centre.
Recreation- Paris has several beautiful parks. Eg. The Luxembourg Gardens.
Case study- Dublin
CBD- O’ Connell Street and down along the Liffey towards the port.
Shopping- Outskirts of the city. Blandchardstown, Liffey Valley and Dundrum.
Residential- Suburbs like Tallaght, now even stretching as far as Mullingar.
Industrial- Several Industrial estates & around the docks and airport.

2. Recreation- Phoenix Park and St. Stephens Green.
Letterkenny- Case study
CBD- Main Street
Shopping- Retail park (Next, TK Maxx, Tempest)
Residential- Mountain top, Ballymacool.
Industrial- Ballyraine Ind. Est.
Recreation- Twotown parks.
Land values in cities
Generally, the closer to the CBD you get, the higher the land values will be. Also, the
intensity of land use (Height of buildings) will also be at its greatest.
On the other hand, the further away from the city centre you go, the lower the land
values and the lower the density of use.
A bungalow in Dublin city centre would look as much out of place as a high rise block
of flats in Tower, Cork.