Spatial Organization of Economic Functions
Bid Rent Model
The urban spatial pattern is shaped by the changing land value depending on its purpose and distance from the center.
- Land Value Gradient: Land values and rents generally decrease as distance from the CBD increases. However, there are secondary peaks at the intersections of main roads and public transport hubs.
- Economic Competition: Different commercial land users (retailing, office, etc.) compete for central locations.
- Urban Structure: The model helps explain the distribution and intensity of land use within a city.
Retail and Commercial Zones
Central Business Districts (CBDs)
- The CBD is the heart of a city's economic activity.
- It's where you find high-order goods like luxury items and specialized services.
Luxury and high-order goods' brands like Louis Vuitton and Apple often choose prime locations in CBDs to maximize visibility and sales.
Why Are CBDs So Important?
- Accessibility: CBDs are well-connected by public transport, making them easy to reach.
- High Land Values: Land here is expensive due to limited availability and high demand.
- Diverse Services: CBDs offer a mix of retail, commercial, and entertainment options.
Think of Times Square in New York City or Shibuya in Tokyo, these areas are iconic CBDs known for their vibrant economic activity.
Out-of-Town Shopping Centers
- In recent years, many cities have developed out-of-town shopping centers.
- These are large retail complexes located on the outskirts of urban areas.
Why Are They Popular?
- Space for Expansion: Unlike crowded CBDs, these areas offer ample space for large stores and parking.
- Lower Land Costs: Land is cheaper, allowing for larger developments.
- Accessibility by Car: They are often located near major highways, catering to car-dependent shoppers.
The Mall of America in Minneapolis (USA) and Westfield Stratford City in London (UK) are prime examples of out-of-town shopping centers.
Industrial Areas
- Industrial zones are strategically located to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
Near Transport Routes
- Factories and warehouses are commonly located near highways, railways, or ports to facilitate the movement of goods.
The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is surrounded by industrial areas that rely on its shipping routes.
In Suburban or Brownfield Sites
- Many industries are now situated in suburban areas or on brownfield sites, previously developed land that has been repurposed.
In Paris, the Seine River has historically influenced the city's growth, with industrial areas developing along its banks for easy transportation. Now industrial activities are predominantly located in the outer regions of the city, especially in the northeastern and eastern suburbs.
Away from Residential Areas
- Industrial zones are typically separated from residential areas to reduce noise, pollution, and other negative impacts on quality of life.
In Singapore, strict zoning ensures that industrial activities are concentrated in designated areas like Jurong Island, minimizing their impact on residential neighborhoods.
Physical and Human Factors Shape Spatial Patterns
Topography
- Flat land is often preferred for industrial and commercial development because it is easier and cheaper to build on.
Lower Land Values in Suburbs
- Industrial areas and out-of-town shopping centers are located in suburban areas where land is cheaper and more abundant.
Redevelopment Projects
- Cities often redevelop brownfield sites to create mixed-use areas that combine residential, commercial, and industrial functions.
Brownfield sites are often chosen for redevelopment because they are cheaper than undeveloped (greenfield) land and are closer to urban markets.
Brownfield site
A brownfield site is a parcel of land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes that may be contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or waste. These sites are often underutilized or abandoned and require environmental remediation before they can be redeveloped or repurposed. Reclaiming brownfield sites is a key component of urban development.
How do cultural and historical factors influence the spatial organization of cities? For example, why do some cities have sprawling suburbs while others prioritize compact, high-density development?
