What term describes an area of a city where a specific type of activity takes place, such as industry or retail?

The term "functional zone" precisely describes an area within a city designated for a specific type of activity, such as industry, retail, or residential purposes. In urban planning, a functional zone refers to the classification of areas based on their primary function, which helps in organizing the city’s layout efficiently. This concept is fundamental in understanding how cities are structured, as cities are often divided into zones that cater to particular activities.

For instance, industrial zones are tailored for factories and manufacturing, while commercial zones are set aside for businesses and retail outlets. This zoning helps minimize conflicts between different types of land use, ensuring that industrial activities do not interfere with residential, retail, or recreational areas.

In contrast, the terms "economic sector," "urban district," and "commercial area," while related to urban spaces, do not convey the same specificity regarding zoning. An economic sector refers broadly to a segment of the economy, such as technology or agriculture, without the geographical connotation of zoning. An urban district can refer to any area in a city and is not limited to specific activities, and a commercial area, though it indicates retail activity, does not encompass all types of functional zones, such as industrial or residential. Thus, "functional zone" is the most