Concentric Zone

Central Place Theory

Bid Rent Curve
Gravity Model of
Spatial Interaction
JOEL D. PLAZA - 2021-32739

2323 WORDS
INTRODUCTION
As a seasoned urban planner with a keen interest in the multifaceted dynamics of city growth and
development, my work is deeply informed by theoretical frameworks that elucidate these complex
processes. The urban landscape is more than just a backdrop to human activity; it's a vibrant
tapestry woven from countless interactions and influences, shaped by economic factors, social
relationships, geographical constraints, and political decisions. Understanding these factors and
their interactions is crucial in the design of cities that are not only functional and sustainable, but
also vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of their inhabitants.
Among the multitude of theories that seek to decode the mysteries of urban development, four
stand out for their unique insights: the Concentric Zone Theory, Central Place Theory, Bid Rent
Curve Theory, and the Gravity Model of Spatial Interaction. Each of these theories contributes to
our understanding of urban phenomena in different yet complementary ways, much like different
pieces of a jigsaw puzzle coming together to reveal the big picture.
In the forthcoming sections of this essay, I aim to dissect each theory and delve into their strengths
and weaknesses. I'll assess the relevance of each in contemporary urban planning, bringing forth
the salient features that make them valuable tools in our planning arsenal. Importantly, I will also
be drawing from my experiences to discuss the practical application of these theories in the
context of local municipalities.
Each theory, despite its limitations, brings us closer to understanding the cities we call home.
They help us peer into the past, make sense of the present, and most importantly, they guide us
as we navigate the future. By integrating these perspectives, we, as urban planners, can create
more comprehensive strategies that can cater to the diverse needs of city dwellers, lead to
sustainable urban growth, and help us shape cities that truly embody the spirit of their inhabitants.

DESCRIPTION OF THE THEORIES/ MODELS

Burgess's Concentric Zone Theory suggests urban land use in concentric rings: the central
business district (CBD) at the core, followed by transitional zones, working-class homes, better
residences, and finally commuters' zones (Burgess, 1925). This theory provides a simplistic
framework to comprehend urban growth and socioeconomic segregation, given that it accounts
for a natural propensity for more affluent inhabitants to reside away from the city center.
Christaller's Central Place Theory outlines that settlements merely serve as 'central places'
catering to their surrounding areas (Christaller, 1933). Depending on the settlement's size and the
provided services' range, the market area varies. The theory's strength lies in its capacity to
theoretically outline the optimal distribution of services and settlements, offering an orderly vision
of space.
The Bid Rent Theory explains the relationship between the price of land and the distance from
the CBD. As the distance from the city center increases, the value of the land decreases (Alonso,
1964). It plays a significant role in explaining urban land-use patterns and the development of
different zones in a city.
The Gravity Model of Spatial Interaction posits that the interaction between two places can be
determined by the product of their population divided by the square of their distance (Stewart,
1948). It provides a useful means to estimate the movement of goods, information, or people
between locations in a network.
STRENGTHS OF THE MODELS
The Concentric Zone Theory, while simplistic, provides a robust framework for understanding
urban growth patterns. One of the most significant strengths of this model is its intuitiveness and
ease of comprehension; it aligns well with the organic growth of cities observed throughout history
(Burgess, 1925). It shows how cities tend to expand outward in rings, from the central business
district to the periphery, each with distinct characteristics.
The model’s inherent simplicity allows for straightforward application in urban planning strategies.
Its clear differentiation of urban zones helps predict potential problems specific to each zone,
aiding in the formulation of targeted policies and efficient resource allocation (Burgess, 1925).
Christaller's Central Place Theory offers valuable insights into the distribution of services across
a region. It is useful in predicting and explaining the size and distribution of cities within a
geographical area. It postulates that cities of different sizes will naturally form a hexagonal grid
pattern to most efficiently serve the population (Christaller, 1933).
The theory is instrumental in strategic urban planning, helping in the optimal placement of services
and infrastructure. It contributes to minimizing the overall cost of providing services, aiding in the
equitable allocation of resources, and in facilitating easier access to services (Christaller, 1933).
Alonso's Bid Rent Curve Theory, a cornerstone of urban economic theory, helps elucidate the
spatial organization of urban areas. It lays out why different urban land uses occur where they do,
based on the concept of economic rent, i.e., the amount a tenant is willing to pay for land use
(Alonso, 1964).
The theory is practical in guiding urban planning decisions. It provides an economic rationale for
zoning regulations and policies, transportation planning, and housing policies. It helps understand
the forces driving the market for urban land, thereby offering insights into real estate values and
trends (Alonso, 1964).
The Gravity Model of Spatial Interaction is especially useful in predicting the movement and
interaction of goods, people, and information between locations. It predicts that larger and closer
cities have a greater degree of interaction, a principle that applies to various phenomena,
including commuting patterns, migration, trade, and communication (Stewart, 1948).
The strength of this model lies in its predictive capabilities. It can guide investments in
transportation infrastructure, predict traffic flow, facilitate economic planning, and aid in the
strategic positioning of commercial and industrial activities (Stewart, 1948).

WEAKNESS OF THE THEORIES

The Concentric Zone Theory, introduced by Burgess in 1925, is a simple and intuitive model of
urban structure, but it has its limitations. One major weakness lies in its oversimplification of the
complexities inherent in urban development. The model presents urban growth as a smooth,
radially symmetric process, which is seldom seen in actual cities.
Real-world cities grow influenced by a variety of factors, not just distance from the CBD. Factors
such as public policy, the local economy, cultural preferences, and historical events can all
significantly affect a city's growth pattern (Burgess, 1925).
Furthermore, the Concentric Zone Theory doesn't consider geographical and topographical
factors, like rivers, coastlines, or hills, which can considerably shape a city's development. For
example, a coastal city may have its affluent residential areas near the coastline rather than the
predicted outermost ring.
The theory also assumes that all cities follow the same pattern of concentric development,
disregarding the individual characteristics of cities. The simplistic portrayal of socio-economic
classes also overlooks the complex dynamics of urban demographics.
Christaller's Central Place Theory, while offering a unique perspective on the distribution of
settlements and services, has its weaknesses. A significant limitation of the theory is its
assumption of an isotropic (uniform) plane. The real world is far from this assumption as
geographical features, such as mountains, rivers, and oceans, often dictate settlement patterns
and the distribution of services (Christaller, 1933).
The model also presumes that population density and purchasing power are evenly distributed,
which is rarely the case. Differences in income, preferences, and culture can dramatically affect
the demand for goods and services. The theory also neglects the impact of politics, history, and
culture on settlement distribution.
Moreover, Central Place Theory assumes that consumers always behave rationally, always
choosing the nearest location for their goods and services. However, many other factors can
influence consumer choices, such as quality, variety, and personal preferences.
Despite the strengths of Alonso's Bid Rent Curve Theory, several assumptions limit its application.
For instance, it assumes that all commercial activity in a city is concentrated in a single central
business district (CBD), which is not often the case in larger cities. These cities may have multiple
business centers or mixed-use zones where commercial and residential properties coexist
(Alonso, 1964).
The model assumes that people try to maximize utility by reducing transportation costs. While this
is often a significant factor, people's choices about where to live can be influenced by a variety of
other considerations. These might include the quality of schools, crime rates, proximity to
recreational areas, and cultural attractions.
The model also neglects to account for variations in transportation. For example, the presence of
a robust public transit system or highway infrastructure can dramatically change people's
commute costs and therefore their willingness to pay for locations at different distances from the
CBD.
While the Gravity Model has proven valuable in predicting the interaction between two places, it
has limitations. The model assumes that distance and population size are the only significant
factors influencing interaction. This ignores other potentially influential factors like political
relations, language barriers, cultural similarities, historical links, and trade agreements (Stewart,
1948).
Furthermore, the model's validity diminishes when applied to interactions over large distances or
between places with small populations. This limitation is particularly relevant in today's globally
interconnected world where long-distance interactions are commonplace.
APPLICATION OF THE THEORY TO THE LOCAL CONTEXT
As Calapan City continues to grow and develop, the principles of the Concentric Zone Theory can
serve as a useful starting point for understanding how the city might evolve.
Consider the city center, where commercial activities are most concentrated. As in Burgess's
model, this area might see higher rental rates due to demand from businesses. Surrounding this
area, there may be zones of transition where older residences are being converted into
businesses or apartment complexes. Further out, we might see more residential areas, starting
with higher-income residences and gradually transitioning to lower-income residences in the
outermost zones (Burgess, 1925).
Understanding these zones can help Calapan City officials target their urban planning strategies.
For instance, in zones of transition, they could focus on urban renewal projects and affordable
housing initiatives. However, the local geographical and socio-economic conditions must be taken
into account, as the city's coastal location and demographic profile could result in deviations from
the standard concentric model.
Applying the Central Place Theory could assist Calapan City in organizing service distribution
throughout the city and surrounding areas. As Calapan City is a central place in Oriental Mindoro,
it can serve as a hub for higher-order services, such as specialty healthcare and higher education.
These services would draw individuals from across the island, justifying their central location.
In contrast, lower-order services, such as grocery stores, primary schools, and local clinics, could
be spread throughout the city and surrounding towns, ensuring they are easily accessible to local
residents. The application of this theory must take into account Calapan's unique local
circumstances, including its role as the provincial capital and a major transportation hub
(Christaller, 1933).
The Bid Rent Curve Theory could be helpful for Calapan City's urban planning, especially in
zoning and housing policies. Given its status as a growing city, commercial establishments may
be willing to pay a higher rent for locations near the city center, leading to a concentration of
businesses in these areas.
On the other hand, residential areas may tend to develop further away, where land prices are
cheaper. To ensure equitable access to housing and services, Calapan City could implement
policies to promote affordable housing in and near the city center, providing residents with easier
access to workplaces and services (Alonso, 1964).
The Gravity Model can be used to anticipate and plan for interactions within and around Calapan
City. As the city is the administrative and transportation hub of Oriental Mindoro, it's expected to
have high levels of interaction with other towns on the island. This model could be instrumental in
planning transportation infrastructure and services to accommodate this interaction. Moreover,
the city's commercial and industrial development could be planned based on expected levels of
interaction with other areas (Stewart, 1948).

SUMMARY
urban theories such as the Concentric Zone Theory, Central Place Theory, Bid Rent Curve Theory,
and the Gravity Model of Spatial Interaction offer valuable frameworks for understanding and
predicting urban development and spatial organization. While each of these theories has its
strengths, they also share a common drawback of oversimplification of the diverse and complex
realities of urban development.
The Concentric Zone Theory, despite its simplicity and ease of understanding, overlooks
geographical and socio-economic factors in its prediction of urban evolution. On the other hand,
the Central Place Theory provides a comprehensive guide for service distribution, but it relies on
the unrealistic assumption of uniformity across regions. The Bid Rent Curve Theory offers crucial
insights into urban land use patterns and affordability, but it too simplifies urban dynamics by
assuming a single city center and ignoring multiple factors that influence residential choice. Lastly,
the Gravity Model offers a sound mathematical basis for predicting interactions between places,
but it often neglects influential factors such as political boundaries and cultural ties.
However, when carefully adapted to reflect the unique circumstances of a given city, these
theories can provide invaluable guidance for urban planning. In the context of Calapan City,
Oriental Mindoro, these theories can inform a wide range of planning decisions, from urban
renewal projects to service distribution, from zoning and housing policies to transportation and
infrastructure planning. By applying these theories with an understanding of their limitations and
an appreciation of Calapan City's unique geographic, demographic, and socio-economic
characteristics, urban planners can help shape a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future
for the city.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, urban development theories, despite their limitations, provide essential frameworks
for understanding city growth and spatial organization. When tailored to local conditions, such as
those in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, these theories can offer valuable insights to guide
sustainable and inclusive urban planning decisions.

REFERENCES
Books:
• Alonso, W. (1964). Location and Land Use. Harvard University Press.
• Burgess, E. W. (1925). The Growth of the City. In R. E. Park, E. W. Burgess, & R. D.
McKenzie (Eds.), The City. University of Chicago Press.
Journal Articles:
• Christaller, W. (1933). Die Zentralen Orte in Süddeutschland. Gustav Fischer. English
translation by C.W. Baskin: Central Places in Southern Germany (Prentice Hall, 1966).
• Stewart, J.Q. (1948). Demographic gravitation: Evidence and applications. Sociometry,
11(1/2), 31-58.