On the morning of Thursday, November 14th, we kicked off the first business tour of the year. While this edition initially seemed like a home game—starting with a visit to BPD’s office just a stone’s throw from our faculty in Delft—it quickly turned into a dynamic journey.
At BPD, we gained insights into the company’s structure, daily operations, roles, and ongoing projects. They even provided feedback on the CVs we submitted, which proved extremely valuable. Following these informative presentations, we tackled a case study in small groups, designing business strategies inspired by one of BPD’s recent projects. After presenting our solutions, we enjoyed a nice lunch and presented a thank-you gift.
Outside, a tour bus was already lined up, ready to take us to our next destination. Apparently, we were going out of town after all. After a relaxed ride, we arrived in Slotervaart, Amsterdam, where BOSS’s senior partner, Dev_, has been redeveloping the former Slotervaart Hospital. This complex redesign project was nearing completion. During the site visit, we explored the project’s new 'crown' section, offering panoramic views of Amsterdam and the surrounding neighborhood. The location, marked by its challenging socio-economic context, paired with the once-empty hospital, set the stage for our next assignment: Proposing a redevelopment plan for the site, complete with a program of requirements and some basic financials. After Dev_ selected a winning team, we celebrated with a borrel at a Moroccan-themed café on-site.
After a brief stop at our hotel, we headed to dinner at the historic A. van Wees jenever distillery, where we enjoyed a delicious three-course meal. The evening concluded with a lively exploration of Amsterdam’s nightlife.
The next morning, our (relatively) fresh group visited SkaaL’s office near the Amsterdam Fashion Centre, where the seemingly modest exterior of the building hid a beautiful office inside. After some introductory presentations, SkaaL challenged us with a case focused on construction project profitability. Because of SkaaL's background in building economics advisory, this case was far different from the rest and featured an expansive Excel model where the competing teams could adjust countless variables to try and turn an unprofitable project into a viable one. A very interesting way to get a grip on all the factors contributing to a building's profitability.
Following another delicious lunch, we made our final stop at CBRE’s Amsterdam office, a recently beautifully renovated former car repair shop now filled with greenery. The day’s final case was the most intense yet: a negotiation exercise between tenant and real estate owner teams. We had to secure our prescribed must-haves and nice-to-haves in multiple rounds of spirited debate.
We wrapped up the tour with a final borrel and exchanged thank-you gifts. This business tour was a big success, offering valuable insights into a wide array of companies and their operations. We’re already looking forward to the next tour in February—don’t miss it!