The model, in urban geography, illustrates a post-industrial city characterized by a decentralized, multi-nodal structure. It features a decline in the central business district (CBD) and the rise of specialized suburban areas, each functioning as mini-cities focused on particular sectors like technology, retail, or residential communities. These nodes are interconnected by transportation networks, forming a complex and dispersed urban landscape. An example can be seen in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or Atlanta, where distinct commercial and residential hubs exist outside the traditional downtown core.
This urban form reflects shifts in economic activities and lifestyles. It represents a departure from earlier models that emphasized the dominance of the CBD. Benefits include reduced congestion in the city center, increased accessibility to jobs and services for suburban residents, and greater flexibility for businesses to locate in specialized areas. The rise of this pattern is associated with advancements in transportation technology, increased car ownership, and the growth of the service sector.