The present Ph.D investigates the commercial sector of the urban center of the mid-sized city of Terrassa within a context of global change. The general objective is to analyze the interactions between commercial supply and potential demand, and public space as a platform that connects these three dimensions, during the period from 2018 to 2022. To achieve this, methodological triangulation was used, employing commercial censuses of different sources, formats and periods, automated pedestrian counting records, a survey of 400 pedestrians, a focus group session, and Huff’s interaction model. The results reveal an imbalance in the commercial sector and the public use of public space, as well as the consolidation of new axes that limit the hinterland of the center. Additionally, interdependencies between business forms and consumer interaction were observed according to birth generation. In conclusion, the urban center is the area with the highest commercial density in the city, receiving a stable and floating population daily, residing close to the center, and showing low social interaction in public spaces both among acquaintances and strangers. At the same time, the commercial structure of the city’s most iconic space has the physical and human capacity to adapt to glocal changes, enabling either a new resurgence or a change in trajectory, as has occurred in the past. This exploratory research provides a comprehensive approach to the study of economic areas within delimitated urban spaces, influenced by global phenomena, to detect signs of change and develop new strategies.
Interaccions entre l'oferta, la demanda, i l'espai públic. El cas del centre urbà comercial de Terrassa (2018-2022)
Pérez Mateos, A. (Author). 9 Dec 2024
Student thesis: Doctoral thesis
Student thesis: Doctoral thesis