In this section, you will learn: zz the different functional zones in cities zz how land use is related to land value zz the types of housing in urban areas zz what a primate city is.
Functional zones in cities
If we look at the building pattern of most cities in the world, we can see that a city is divided into a number of different zones. Each of these zones has a different function or use. The following five zones can be seen in most cities: 1. A Central Business District (CBD) 2. Some smaller shopping areas 3. A number of shopping centres 4. Industrial areas 5. Open space for recreation and leisure
The Central Business District
The centre of every city has a CBD. This is where the big banks, office blocks and department stores are located. These buildings are usually multi-storey buildings.
Where is the CBD in the city nearest to you?
( Figure 12.28 Dublin’s CBD is located in the old docklands area
Shopping areas
Around the outskirts of a city there are usually small village centres where people can do their day-to-day shopping. These small areas give people access to all the services they need without having to go into the city centre.
Where are there shopping areas like this in your local town/city?
( Figure 12.29 A shopping street in Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
217 Functional zone
Central Business District (CBD) Suburbs Land value Building density
Apartment
Terraced housing Semi-detached Detached Primate city
Settlement and Urbanisation: Where we live and why
