关键词: CBD, 综合界定方法, 功能特征, 空间结构, 广州

Abstract: This paper, on the basis of literature review on CBD research results, studies the functional features and spatial structure of CBDs in Guangzhou, a metropolis of South China, in terms of documents, data and on the spot investigation. The attention is initially paid to the delimitation of CBD. A comprehensive method of delimiting CBD is invested from the major characters of CBD dividing the streets with high land value according to the basic land value of Guangzhou, determining the transport circle surrounding the districts with high land value and further determining the limits of CBD, and investigating some typical streets in the delimited CBD by the index of Murphy and Vance so as to examine the feasibility of the delimitation. In terms of the comprehensive method, the CBD of Guangzhou is divided into three sub districts including one traditional and two new CBD sub districts. Then the functional features including the overall and sub-district features of CBD are analyzed. Some indicators, such as location quotient, office floor area, vacant office floor rate, establishments and employment of central functions, offices of non Guangzhou enterprises, offices of transnational enterprises and transnational financial organs, are used to reflect the overall features of centralization and overseas orientation. The comparative analysis on the central, external and dwelling functions of the three CBD sub districts reveals that the traditional CBD is dominated by retail but the new CBDs by enterprise offices, finance and insurance, and information consultation. These two types of functions represent different stages of CBD development and reflect the evolution of CBD function. Thirdly, the spatial structure of CBD and its formation mechanism are examined. The research results reveal that the CBD of Guangzhou shows a ‘separation’ structure with time, characterized by the spatial subdivision and agglomeration of various functions. From the horizontal structure of CBD sub districts, based on the analysis of land value and function, the traditional CBD shows a ‘twin core ring’ structure, i.e. land use changes regularly with the distance from the peak land value intersection, but the new CBDs show a ‘linear’ structure, i.e. the central functions distribute along the major streets. From the vertical structure of CBD sub districts, based on the analysis of the on the spot investigation, the three sub districts differ in vertical changes of building height and floor function. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of CBD spatial structure, in the aspects of CBD function demand, rent bid relation, environment, technology and behavior, are analyzed. Finally, a brief conclusion is drawn and a discussion on the general evolution model of CBD function and spatial structure of Guangzhou and further Chinese metropolises is made.

Key words: CBD, delimitation, function features, spatial structure, Guangzhou