While the importance of stakeholder involvement in creating new learning environments in universities is well established, limited research has been conducted on the stakeholder process within learning environments as a distinct field or on optimizing this process. It remains unclear how stakeholder contributions are managed and whether these inputs effectively translate into spaces that meet the expectations and requirements of end-users. This research aims to map out the stakeholder involvement process and explore how it can be optimized. The central research question is: 'How can stakeholder involvement be optimized in the creation of effective learning environments in university real estate?'"

To answer this question, a mixed-methods study will be conducted, consisting of three components. First, a literature review will provide a theoretical foundation on stakeholder involvement and the effectiveness of learning environments. Following this, a case study will be conducted on selected cases of newly implemented learning environments developed with stakeholder involvement. The case studies will map out the stakeholder involvement process in the creation of these environments. Next, interviews will be held with the stakeholders involved in the process, assessing their perspectives on the process and their views on the effectiveness of the resulting learning environments. Lastly, surveys will be conducted with end-users of the learning environments to evaluate their perceptions of the environment's effectiveness. The goal of this research is to assess whether there is alignment between stakeholder expectations and end-user experiences, and to explore how the effectiveness of the learning environments can be traced back to the stakeholder involvement process. This will ultimately help identify areas for optimization in stakeholder involvement.

The Environment and Planning Act (EPA) places a strong emphasis on citizen and stakeholder participation in area developments. Developers are encouraged, and in some cases required, to organize participation efforts prior to applying for permits or zoning changes. However, due to the EPA’s deliberately flexible framework, many developers face uncertainty in meeting participation expectations. In response, they are exploring and optimizing new methods. One such initiative is Kijk op de Wijk (KodW), a market-based participation tool that leverages digital means. The practical use of digital tools in participation processes remains relatively underexplored, this study investigates the following question: How can developers use Kijk op de Wijk as a Private Organised Participation in area developments under the Environment and Planning Act?
The research adopts a qualitative approach, combining literature and document review with interviews, a case study on the development project The Kaai, and validation through an expert panel. The findings suggest that KodW holds conceptual potential as a POP method, particularly in its ability to reach a wide audience through digital platforms. However, practical challenges persist, including the need for better internal integration and strategic deployment. Aligning expectations among stakeholders and establishing a clear plan that combines both physical and digital tools is essential for successful implementation.
This thesis offers concrete recommendations for enhancing KodW so that it can be more easily integrated into the development process and more closely aligned with EPA requirements. Ultimately, such improvements can make participation more accessible for developers and help shift it from a legal obligation to a valuable standard practice.