Central Business District (CBD) has been recognized as the main commercial center of town. Since ancient times, the function of CBD has been the location of offices, retail trade, banks, government body, and major means of transport. Nevertheless, the essence of the CBD is evolving from the previously dominant role as the commercial center to becoming one of the elements in a complex multi-nucleus urban settlement.
The role of CBD traditionally
Retail and wholesale center
The clustering and concentration of banks, insurance and financial industries
Headquarters and corporate offices
Government and other administrative functions
Major transport switch point
High real estate prices and land use
Large population during the daytime. Minimum Night Time population
Changes in CBD’s role over time
Old CBD Model of the new CBD
Commercial being the main role Mixed role of commercial, residential, and cultural center
Dominance of offices Having offices, dwelling, leisure, and entertainment
Strong daytime activities Increase of evening and weekend activities
Single center of the city Proto of a polycentric city
Conventional commerce Trade, e-commerce, and shopping
Heavy dependency on physical office space Hybrid systems of work
Cars and public transport are used mostly Nature increasing walking, cycling, and using public transport
High-rise buildings with offices Mixed-use or adaptive reuse buildings
Consequences of suburbanization
The further development of suburbs has resulted in the movement of many functions from the previous CBD. Shopping centers, business complexes, residential sites, and other sorts of buildings have emerged in the suburbs.
Rise of a Polycentric City
In recent years, metropolises have been inhabited by several specialized locations.
The collection of various regions can be illustrated as: The Growth of Polycentric City.
As a result, the occurrence of the CBD being the only vital place of business is unlikely, however, it still may serve an essential point.
Changes in retail
The spread of online shopping and the rise of different shopping centers in small cities led to the decline of shopping malls in urban areas. Thus, in the present day, there are more shops located in the central business districts providing a combination of restaurants, cafes, entertainment, culture, tourism, and retail shops.
Changes in office work
Due to the development of ICT and an increase in remote work, the function of traditional office space has become outdated; as a result of this, certain buildings in CBD areas are being repaired or changed into apartments, hotels, student houses, co-working places, and other constructions.
Growth of residential function
Due to several reasons, some central business districts can work in shifts and function 24/7.
The following comparison illustrates the difference in the principle of operation: Old CBD vs New CBD.
Transport development
Over time, central business districts began to focus on the improvement of public transport and accessibility of transportation means, electric, etc.
Modern CBD planning consists of constructing “green buildings”, energy-efficient construction, parks, greenery in the city, and reducing car usage.
CBD cultural role
The CBD works as a symbolic image of the city.
Readings:
Central Business District: Concept and Delineation
Problems of CBDs
