What theory of urban growth posits that cities develop from many centers rather than one single center?

The concept of multiple-nuclei theory is central to understanding urban growth as it describes how cities can evolve from various independent centers of activity rather than developing around a single central point. This theory, proposed by geographers Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman in the 1940s, recognizes the complexity of urban environments, where different types of land use and populations can establish themselves in various locations, creating several nodes or "nuclei" for economic and social activities.

In contrast to other theories like the concentric zone theory, which suggests that urban areas grow outward from a single center in a series of concentric circles, or the sector model, which describes urban land use in wedge-shaped sectors originating from the central business district, the multiple-nuclei theory accounts for the fact that modern cities incorporate diverse hubs of activity, such as shopping centers, industrial parks, and suburban developments. This model helps explain the decentralized nature of contemporary urban expansion and acknowledges factors such as transportation, social dynamics, and economic activities in shaping urban landscapes.

Central place theory, on the other hand, focuses on the distribution of cities based on their market functions and goods availability, emphasizing how central places serve as service hubs. Following this logic, multiple centers emerge, each