Keywords: N.A.
This thesis represents the conclusion of my Master’s program in Urban Systems and Real Estate at
Eindhoven University of Technology. Its focus is on investigating the preferences of city center visitors
regarding the use of vacant retail buildings. To accomplish this, an on-street best-worst scaling
experiment was conducted.
Living in the heart of Eindhoven, I had the privilege of frequently visiting the city center and observing
its dynamics firsthand. This proximity and my regular interactions with the center sparked my curiosity
about its functioning as an urban system. With the guidance of my supervisors, I was able to align my
research with a topic that captivated me.
The process of delving into the literature and contributing to this field of research has been a
rewarding experience. Moreover, engaging in conversations with the study participants offered
invaluable insights into their perspectives on the center, shaped by their personal roles and histories.
Despite the challenges encountered in recruiting enough participants, this enhanced my overall
learning journey. I extend my gratitude to all the individuals who participated in this study.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my supervision committee members, Astrid
Kemperman, Aloys Borgers, and Pauline van den Berg, for their guidance and valuable advice
throughout the process of this study. Our meetings were besides informative also enjoyable, and I am
grateful for their availability and support.
I would like to extend my gratitude to my partner, family, and friends for their support throughout the
entire duration of working on this thesis. Their encouragement and understanding have been
invaluable during this journey. In particular, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to
Anneloes de Lange, Kees – Jan van den Bosch, Sophie Troost, and Sander Strijbos for their invaluable
assistance during the data collection process. Your contributions were essential, and without your
help, I would still be tirelessly gathering data to this day. I would also like to acknowledge the members
of the ‘stiltehok’ group for their insightful perspectives and much-needed distractions. A special thanks
goes to Dennis Andreoli, who consistently made himself available for brainstorming sessions and
provided valuable input. Lastly, I would thank my friends from study association SERVICE.