Urban Models & Theories
Size & Distribution of Cities
Urban Challenges
Urban Sustainability
Miscellaneous
100

Model that illustrates the hierarchical spatial patterns/order of cities and settlements; based on economic functions/consumer behavior 

What is Central Place Theory? 

100

Metropolitan areas with populations of more than 10 million people.

What is a megacity? 

100

Housing discrimination maintained by banks - starting in the 1930s, refusal to grant home loans in certain areas because of the ethnic or racial composition.

What is redlining?

100

This is one of the 2 major focuses of sustainable design.

What is the environment or high quality life and opportunities? 

100

Transportation systems, power stations & lines , wifi, and sewage systems are examples of:

What is infrastructure? 

200

In this urban model, cities develop around multiple focal points and build outwards to create a functional region.

What is Multiple Nuclei Model? 

200

One particular city is extremely large in terms of population size AND economic, cultural and political influence.

What is a primate city? 

200

Housing discrimination maintained by real estate industry - white families were encouraged to rapidly sell when African-American families moved into neighborhoods.

What is blockbusting?

200

An area of green space such as a park, agricultural land, or forest  around an urban area intended to limit urban sprawl. 

What is greenbelt?

200

Large cities that exert global economic, cultural, and political influence and make up a network of economic, social, and information flows.

What are world cities? 

300

This urban model is characteristized by a port zone, which was the center of commerce in colonial times.

What is Southeast Asian City Model? 

300

Model that illustrates the relationship between population distribution in cities that are interconnected in the urban hierarchy. Typically indicates somewhat even development.

What is rank-size rule?

300

Residential areas that are situated on undesirable/ abandoned land that are built with found materials and not connected to city services. Also referred to as slums, favelas, barrios, etc. 

What are squatter settlements?

300

This separates urban areas from the surrounding natural and agricultural lands, or greenbelt

What is Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)?

300

Climate, landforms, availability of water, soil fertility, and other physical factors are examples of ________ factors. 

What is site?

400

Most modern urban model; developed in the 1980s. Focuses on the decentralization and suburbanization of urban environments; includes edge cities

What is Galactic City Model?

400

The two characteristics used to determine where goods and services are located according to central place theory.  

What is threshold and range?

400

Location where residents’ access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance.

What is food desert?

400

Planned urban development that includes multiple uses such as retail, residential, educational, recreational and businesses

What is mixed-use development/zoning?

400

This is a place that feels suburban, but more closely resembles an urban city. 

What is a boomburb? 

500

Model that illustrates the spatial relationship/amount of interaction between locations of different sizes - flows of people, trade, traffic, communication, etc.

What is Gravity Model?

500

If a city follow's rank-size rule, and the population of the largest city is 12 million. The third largest city is (what size)?

What is 4 million?

500

This is the term for when communities of color and the poor are more likely to be exposed to environmental burden such as air and water pollution.  

What is environmental injustice? 

500

Utilization of mixed-use zoning policies in order to increase the use of already existing urban structures, create walkable and livable cities while maintaining a sense of place and increasing residential housing density:

What is smart growth OR new urbanism?

500

Community located on the outskirts of a larger city with commercial centers, office space, retail complexes, and amenities typically found in an urban center.

What is edge city?