how does von thunen's theory of land rent apply to london?

Answer 1

Early in the 19th century von Thünen developed a model of land use that showed how market processes could determine how land in different locations would be used. Johann Heinrich von Thünen (1783-1850) was a skilled farmer who was knowledgable in economics.

It is simplest to explain von Thünen's model in terms of agricultural land use but it is not limited to that land use.

However, it would be difficult to apply this model to London for the following reasons,

1. Greater London is a collection of different boroughs, the market model would be so complex, its not like the cost of a crop and the distance form its market.

2. the Historical and Heritage values that are attached to some areas - how would you put these into fiscal terms.

3. the inter-relationships, because each area relates to its neighbours in complex ways. you dont have one market place, but mutiple. multipe sources of entertainment, parkland, commercial activites, some local, some budget, some high fashion.

Von Thunen's Theory of the "Isolated State" is also known by geographers as the concentric ring theory. Von Thunen's theory is still utilized in agricultural geography because he clearly demonstrates the relationship between land price (which he terms location rent) distance from the market (determining transport cost) and the location (pattern) of crop production. it is not suitable for an urban 'crop' however.

Why don't you use a polycentric city model?

Answer 2

Here, you aim the rocket at Canary Wharf before lighting the blue touch paper, all else stays the same.