What are concentric zone cities?

Concentric zone cities refer to a model of urban land use proposed by sociologist Ernest W. Burgess in the 1920s. This model depicts a city as a series of concentric circles radiating outward from a central point, typically the downtown area. Each zone represents different land uses and social groups, starting with the central business district, followed by zones of transition, working-class housing, middle-class homes, and finally, suburban areas. This model illustrates how urban development and social dynamics can change over time, although it has been critiqued for oversimplifying the complexities of real urban environments.