Multiple nuclei theory

Theories of City Structure-The Multiple Nuclei Theory

-       C.D. Harris & Ullman, 1945

Introduction:

In, 1945 a less rigid model capable of application to a variety of urban patterns was proposed by C.D. Harris & E.L. Ullman. They suggested that landuse patterns of a city do not develop around a single centre. But on the contrary they develop around several discrete locations. This concentration of landuse patterns arouns various nuclei gives the city a cellular structure. This concept is particularly helpful in explaining the structure of Indian cities which are marked by definite periods of growth & often combine both new & old sections of the city for development.

Main Goals:

      i.         Move away from the concentric zone model.

     ii.         To better reflect the complex nature of urban areas, especially those of large size.

Assumptions:

      i.         The model assumes that:

     ii.         Land is not flat in all areas.

   iii.         Even distribution of Resources.

   iv.         Even distribution of people in Residential areas.

     v.         Even Transportation Costs.

Critical Analysis/Controlling Factors:

It must be acknowledge that some of the city’s activities will develop in a special place. For example: 

      i.         Firstly: Some specialties were developed in a few special places. For example, coastline is required for port formulation.

     ii.         Secondly: Similar functions such as office-court are located in one place.

   iii.         Thirdly: The use of certain types of land contradicts each other. For example, heavy industry & upper-class settlement.

   iv.         Fourthly: Some functions may not be able to afford the high rent of the CBD, which is located elsewhere.

     v.         Fifthly: Heavy & harmful industries developed along the aquaculture & railway lines.

   vi.         Sixthly: Light industries such as garments can benefit the industry if it is developed in the city centre.

                    

Fig: Multiple Nuclei Theory.

Criticism:

Merits:

      i.         According to this theory, the city’s land use & expansion was built around multiple centers rather than one center. That gave us a new era of the city’s physical structure.

     ii.         The availability of this doctrine can be judged in most cities around the world.

   iii.         This theory is complimentary modern & independent in comparison to other theories.

   iv.         With the help of this theory, complexity of land can be reduced.

Demerits:

      i.         This theory state that the centers of improvement are individually created but they can say that they are dependent on the government from the administrative point of view.

     ii.         Development centers are built on many factors besides the 10 elements behind them.

   iii.         Some centers may be located at specific locations depending on demand, but others are harmful to action. For example, transportation facilities are developed in the port area but are detrimental to upper class settlements.

------------------------