What type of design pattern is characterized by a linear arrangement of shops?

The type of design pattern characterized by a linear arrangement of shops is linear strip centers. This configuration typically consists of a row of stores that face a parking lot or street, allowing for easy access by shoppers. The essence of linear strip centers is their straightforward layout, which promotes visibility and convenience for customers as they can easily travel from one store to the next in a single direction.

In contrast, U-shaped centers create a layout that resembles a "U," with shops located around the perimeter and often featuring a common area or courtyard at the open end. L-shaped centers form an "L" pattern, and while they may also have a linear component, they usually involve some variation in layout. Cluster centers refer to shopping areas that group stores together in a non-linear fashion, often improving convenience and creating a destination for various services.

Each of these other options has unique characteristics, but it's the linear strip center that is specifically defined by its linear arrangement of shops, making it the correct answer for this question.