Urban Dynamics: Land Use, Models, and Settlement Geography

Urban Growth and Land Use Patterns

Urbanization signifies an increase in the proportion of people residing in towns and cities. Historically, most people tended to work and live in rural areas. However, throughout the 20th century, people continued to migrate to urban areas, seeking better opportunities such as improved jobs, housing, schools, hospitals, and shopping facilities.

Urban Land Use Models

A model is a theoretical framework that doesn't physically exist but helps to explain reality.

• Burgess: Proposed that all towns and cities have a *Central Business District* (CBD) at their core. His model depicted concentric circles, with zones based on the age of houses and the wealth of their occupants.
• Hoyt: Proposed his *Sector Model* after observing how public transport, industry, and low-cost housing often developed in specific sectors or wedges within a town during the 19th century.

Urban Land Use and Functional Zones

Each of the zones within an urban area has a specific function:

• Land Values and Space: Land values are highest, and available sites are more limited, in the CBD.
• Age of Buildings: As towns developed outwards, the oldest buildings were typically located near the city center.
• Accessibility: The CBD, where the main routes from the suburbs and surrounding towns meet, is often the easiest place to reach from all parts of the city.
• Wealth of Inhabitants: The poorer members of the community tend to live in cheaper housing near the CBD and the inner city.

Settlement Geography Fundamentals

Site and Situation Factors

The location of a settlement is intrinsically related to its site and situation. *Site* describes the exact location where the town, city, or village is situated. *Situation* describes where the settlement is situated in relation to its surrounding area.

• Wet Point Site: Located in dry areas, providing essential access to water.
• Dry Point Site: Located in wet areas, offering protection from flooding.
• Building Materials: Availability of local resources like stone, wood, and clay.
• Defense: A strategic location for protection against potential threats.
• Fuel Supply: Access to resources needed for heating and cooking.
• Food Supplies: Proximity to fertile land suitable for agriculture.
• Nodal Points: Confluence of routes, such as several valleys or transport links.
• Bridging Points: Locations like river fords, facilitating easy crossing.

Settlement Types

Settlements are broadly divided into rural and urban types, though it's often difficult to clearly distinguish between the two basic categories due to transitional zones.

Settlement Functions

The function of a settlement relates to its economic and social development, referring to its main activities and purpose within a region.