ABSTRACT
The study of urban form is an important root of urban geography, stretching back to the nineteenth century. In common with other well-known urban models, Gideon Sjoberg's is based on socio-economic structure and does little to illuminate understanding of the physical structure of pre-industrial cities. Despite the growing influence of cities like Los Angeles internationally, these so-called archetypal cities of post-modernity are not necessarily representative of the experiences of contemporary urbanization in other cities around the world. Consider the origins and early development of the city students live in, or a city close to where students live. In common with other well-known urban models, Sjoberg's is based on socio-economic structure and does little to illuminate understanding of the physical structure of pre-industrial cities. The post-modern city is seen to be more chaotic in structure, fragmenting into a series of independent settlements, economies, societies and cultures.
