Abstract
The dynamics of commercial activities in cities has been explored by the Harris-Wilson's balancing-mechanism model. In this paper, the role of city-shapes and road network patterns is discussed in the model in detail. We first demonstrate some properties of retail patterns in two cases: (i)sector-shaped city; (ii)radial-ring road network. In particular, we compare the position of commercial centers in each case. Next, we apply the model to Tokyo metropolitan area and Japanese mainland to examine the validity of the model. Setting parameters appropriately, we have derived the well reproduced patterns that could be the theoretical background for the formation of real commercial centers and large cities. We also analyze the effects of development of transportation infrastructures on regional commercial activities.
