Roads and streets are the largest transport land use in the city. The M50 is part of an extensive motorway network surrounding the city, however, in the CBD a narrow street pattern causes traffic flow problems. Transport land use also includes mainline railway stations at Heuston and Connolly; DART commuter stations such as Pearse; and the LUAS Red and Green routes. Quality Bus Corridors and LUAS Park and Ride facilities at Red Cow and other stations are newer transport land uses designed to promote the use of public transport. The promotion of cycling as a clean form of transport has led to increased cycle lanes and paths throughout the city (e.g. S2S Sutton to Sandycove).
Recreation
Parks and open spaces are important for people living and working in Dublin. City centre spaces such as St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square are very accessible. Other parks such as St Anne’s in Clontarf serve larger areas and provide playing pitches. Phoenix Park is the largest urban park in Europe, while Weaver Park in the Liberties area is a smaller open space.
1. Describe three different characteristics of any four land uses found in Dublin. CHECK YOUR LEARNING
Urban Land Use Theories
Urban land use theories attempt to explain the layout of urban areas. Using data collected from studies carried out primarily in the USA, simplified models have been created that attempt to explain how land use patterns evolve in cities. Three theories relating to this topic are discussed below.
E.W. Burgess’s concentric zone theory, 1920
Based on the city of Chicago, E.W. Burgess’s model identified five different zones arranged in a series of concentric rings varying in size (Fig. 29.9). The theory stated that land values were highest in the CBD and decreased with outward movement. Better housing and increased affluence were associated with zones farthest away from the CBD.
The Burgess Model CBD
Zone of Transition
Upper-class Residential Zone Middle-class Residential Zone Working-class Residential Zone
KEYWORDS Burgess
concentric zone theory CBD
zone of transition public transport railways
residential sector theory
The Ho CBD
Facto (transi
Work (old in
Med (inter-
Fig. 29.9 Burgess’ concentric zone model, 1920
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High (mode
EXAM LINK (HL)
Urban Land Use (30 marks)
Describe and explain the land use zones in any city that you have studied.
