2011 Volume 67 Issue 5 Pages 67_I_407-67_I_416
This analysis examines challenges and identifies opportunities in converting “existing building stock” in a wholesale business complex in Toiya-cho district , Kita-ku, Okayama city into new stores. “The existing building stock” includes existing industrial and office buildings that are either used ineffectively or not at all. Actual conditions of stores in used buildings were assessed from results of a questionnaire survey of visitors' actions and opinions. Results show that the visitors' actions are apparently related to the “element of the area unit of Toiya-cho” and that they raise opportunities of store use and creation of prosperity. Furthermore, results reveal that new store accumulation in existing buildings changes the atmosphere of Toiya-cho and positively influences visitors' actions, which further increases benefits for the stores. Results clarified that the atmosphere beneficially affects the charm of Toiya-cho.
