Robert Vanstraelen, born on December 3, 1934, in Borgerhout, Belgium, is a distinguished economist and emeritus professor at the Antwerp Management School. As the visionary founder of the Master in Real Estate (MRE) program at the University of Antwerp Management School (formerly UAMS), he has left an indelible mark on the field of real estate education in Belgium and beyond.
Academic Legacy
Throughout his career, Robert Vanstraelen has been celebrated for his sharp intellect and groundbreaking contributions to economics. His passion for knowledge and dedication to education led him to establish the MRE program, which has become a benchmark for real estate studies in Europe. His academic work often bridged complex economic theories with practical applications, making his teachings both profound and accessible.
While his bibliography may not be extensive in terms of popular books, his academic publications include titles like “Trendberekening door middel van Excel” and “Econometrie: een terugblik op een turbulente ontwikkeling”. These works reflect his deep understanding of econometrics, statistical analysis, and applied economics, fields in which he has mentored countless students and professionals.
A Life Beyond Academia
Despite his formidable academic achievements, Robert Vanstraelen is far from the stereotypical scholar. At 90 years old (as of 2025), he remains intellectually vibrant and passionately engaged in his personal interests. One of his lifelong devotions is playing the organ, a pursuit that showcases his appreciation for complexity, structure, and harmony—qualities that also defined his academic approach.
Interestingly, Robert learned to play the organ pedals later in life, despite having played music since he was five years old. His repertoire spans from intricate Baroque compositions to the more romantic works of César Franck, blending technical mastery with heartfelt expression.
His passion for life extends beyond music. In the 1960s, Robert initially wanted to purchase a light purple Ford Thunderbird convertible. However, his colleague at the ‘Planbureau’ in Brussels, Bob Cools, strongly disapproved, warning Robert that if he bought the car, Bob would never speak to him again. Practicality also played a role—the Thunderbird was so large it couldn’t maneuver the turn into his parents’ driveway. Robert changed his mind and instead bought a second-hand light blue Jaguar 3.8, which he drove for years until it was stolen in 1969. Unfortunately, his doctoral thesis was in the car. The thieves, uninterested in a thesis about dissertations on comparative systems with 123 unknowns and their interdependencies, discarded his briefcase in a ditch in Kapellen, where it was eventually recovered.
Surprisingly, for someone with such a profound intellect, he finds joy in the whimsical world of ‘Jommeke’ comics. This playful contrast highlights his ability to balance serious academic endeavors with lighthearted, youthful curiosity, a trait that keeps his spirit forever young.
A Mind That Inspires
Robert Vanstraelen is one of the smartest individuals we’ve ever met—a rare combination of brilliance, humility, and humor. We know no one who becomes as genuinely joyful as Robert does when discussing the magical mathematical solution to the problem of negative square roots: the realization that i² = -1.
His legacy is not just in the programs he founded or the students he mentored, but also in the way he continues to inspire through his multifaceted passions.
Bob embodies the very essence of YUGENING: grace and style, unapologetic authenticity, and a childlike wonder that fuels his endless curiosity. Whether it’s through the intricate melodies of an organ, the pages of an economics paper, or the adventures of Jommeke, he lives as a testament to the beauty of learning, growth, and joyful exploration.
Fifteen years ago, as architects, we had the honor of renovating Robert’s roof. True to form, he knew the technical specifications of the roof tiles—from lambda values to alpha coefficients—better than we did. When he asked which tiles to choose, given that all options came from reputable brands with excellent technical performance, our answer was simple: “Bob, just choose the most beautiful one.” Because sometimes, beyond all data and calculations, beauty speaks the clearest truth.
