Which term describes the city of Washington's planning type?

The term that best describes the city of Washington's planning type is "Star." This planning style is characterized by a central hub with radiating avenues or spokes, which create a star-like pattern. Washington, D.C. was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant in the 18th century, focusing on a central government building (the Capitol) from which wide avenues spread out toward significant landmarks, creating the star configuration.

This design not only served aesthetic purposes but also functioned to improve traffic flow and enhance sightlines throughout the city. The layout was meant to symbolize national unity and provides a strategic way of organizing the city around its national institutions.

In contrast, the grid pattern refers to a layout consisting of intersecting straight streets forming squares or rectangles; many cities follow this model but not Washington. A linear layout would suggest buildings or roads arranged in a single line or along a corridor, which does not accurately represent the complexity of Washington’s design. Lastly, a hub layout typically describes a central point with various connections but lacks the distinct radiating pattern seen in a star formation.