SECTOR

THEORY

CITY PLANNING
ABHINAB | DOLLY
UNDERSTANDING THE CITY'S FABRIC
● Urban areas evolve through dynamic interactions of

social, economic, and physical factors, creating

intricate land use patterns.

● The spatial arrangement of activities—residential,

commercial, industrial, and recreational—determines

how people interact with their city.

● Homer Hoyt's model offers a lens to analyze and

understand how urban growth and land use develop in

response to transportation and socioeconomic forces.

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VARIOUS CITY PLANNING CONCEPT

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BEYOND CONCENTRIC ZONE
In 1939, economist Homer Hoyt proposed the Sector Theory, a model that explains urban land use as radiating
wedges or sectors, influenced by transportation and high-value land.

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 CITY IN WEDGES
• The Central Business District (CBD) serves as the heart of economic and social activity. It is the starting point from which sectors radiate outward, forming the
core of urban development.

• Highways, railways, and waterways act as growth corridors. Land along these routes becomes highly valuable, attracting specific land uses like industries or
affluent housing.

• Land uses with shared needs or benefits tend to group together. For example, residential areas for middle-class families might develop adjacent to each
other, while industrial sectors cluster near transportation links.

• Wealthier residential areas and commercial developments push outward from the CBD along desirable corridors, avoiding undesirable uses (e.g., industrial
zones). This leads to distinct zones of economic disparity and segregation.

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TRANSPORTATION AS A GUIDELINE
Railways, highways, and waterways act as spines along which industrial and residential sectors grow.

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SOCIO ECONOMIC PATTERN
The Sector Theory explains how different income groups cluster within a city. Lower-income areas often neighbor
industrial zones due to affordability and job access. Higher-income areas tend to be further out, along desirable
routes and with better amenities. Middle-income areas are often in between.

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SOCIO ECONOMIC PATTERN
● Transportation: Cities grow along transportation routes (like trains and roads).
● High-Value Land: Land near good areas (parks, transport) costs more, so it gets different development.
● Socioeconomics: Explains how different income groups live in different parts of the city.
In essence: The theory shows how transportation, land value, and the desire for good things shape where people
live and what gets built in a city.

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LIMITATION
Car Dependence: The theory was developed before
widespread car ownership, so it doesn't fully capture
how cars have changed where people live and work.

Simplified View: Modern cities are incredibly complex.

The theory oversimplifies these complexities by focusing
on a few key factors.

Not One-Size-Fits-All: The theory might not perfectly

explain the development of all cities, especially those
with unique histories, geographies, or economic
structures.

edge city Suzhou, China

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RELEVANCE
Even though it's not perfect, the Sector Theory gives
valuable ideas to urban designers and planners. It helps
us understand how transportation, where things are built,
and how people live are all connected.

Portland, Oregon, USA:

● Known for its strong emphasis on urban planning, cycling infrastructure,

and a focus on walkability and public transportation.

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CONCLUSION
The Sector Theory might not explain everything about
cities, but it's a good starting point. It reminds us that how
cities are built is influenced by many things, like the
economy, how people live, and the choices we make.

Hong Kong:

● A densely populated city with a unique blend of skyscrapers,

traditional neighborhoods, and vibrant street life.

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 HOYT'S SECTOR MODEL:

A CASE STUDY OF CHICAGO

panoramic view of chicago skyline

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UNDERSTANDING CHICAGO'S
URBAN FABRIC
Chicago, a prime example of Hoyt's Sector Model, exhibits distinct
land use patterns influenced by transportation routes and
socioeconomic factors.

The city shows clear divisions in how land is used (homes,

businesses, factories), strongly influenced by how people travel
(trains, roads, the lake) and how much people earn.

Chicago train map

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 SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT IN
CHICAGO
High-income residential areas along Lake Michigan.

Industrial zones concentrated along railway lines and riverfronts.

Middle-class residential areas expanding outward along major

thoroughfares.

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Chicago zoning map
THE INFLUENCE OF LAKE MICHIGAN
Lake Michigan has significantly influenced development, attracting high-income residents and shaping the city's
eastern sector.

Lake michigan, Chicago

RAILWAYS AND ROADWAYS AS DRIVERS
Railway lines and major highways have acted as spines for industrial and residential development, creating
distinct sectors.

towards central station, chicago

 HOYT'S SECTOR MODEL:

A CASE STUDY OF LONDON

Panoramic view of London skyline 17

UNDERSTANDING LONDON'S URBAN GROWTH
London demonstrates the enduring influence of Hoyt's model, with its radial growth patterns shaped
by historical transportation routes.

In London, the River Thames became central to industry. Therefore, working class housing was
developed along the river, moving eastwards from the CBD.

Chicago train map

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WEDGES OF DEVELOPMENT
High-income residential areas extending along major roads
leading out of the city center.

Industrial zones historically concentrated along the Thames

River.

Middle-class residential areas expanding outward along major

thoroughfares.

part of a london’s masterplan

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THE INFLUENCE OF THE THAMES RIVER
The Thames River has played a crucial role in shaping London's development, influencing industrial activity and
shaping the city's waterfront.

river Thames panorama

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RAILWAYS AND ROADS AS DRIVERS
Railway lines and major roads have acted as spines for residential and commercial development, creating
distinct sectors.

1965, Britain rail map

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