Urban planning is an intricate art and science, one that requires the delicate balancing of aesthetics, functionality, and economic efficiency. Over the years, I’ve encountered numerous theories that inform how cities are designed and function. However, one theory in particular reshaped my entire approach to urban planning: Location Theory.
Location Theory, at its core, is about understanding the geographical placement of economic activities. First articulated by Johann Heinrich von Thünen in the early 19th century, and later expanded by economists like Alfred Weber and Walter Christaller, this theory seeks to explain why businesses, residences, and services locate where they do within a city or region.
Von Thünen’s model originally focused on agricultural land use, proposing that land close to a market would be used for high-value, perishable crops, while more distant land would be utilized for less perishable, bulkier crops. This idea, although simple, laid the groundwork for understanding how proximity to markets (or city centers) influences land use and value. … Read Full Article
