X-LAB CULTURE, CREATIVITY AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

The ambitious aim of the lab is to support students in creating a scientific project that carefully integrates aspects of sustainability, ethics and inclusiveness, issues that are increasingly central in the global economic context.

No specific knowledge is required. Knowledge of the concepts acquired during the master's course and the willingness to apply this knowledge with an entrepreneurial spirit is sufficient.

The xLab takes place through co-design sessions where students work together and are guided by mentors representing leading institutions, corporate and non-profit actors, learn how to develop new innovative solutions and test their final project ideas. In this way, participants can develop new skills useful for their future careers, while improving their ability to design solutions that look at innovative technologies and ensure the sustainability of their proposals, even for real-life cases. The ‘Urban Regeneration, Culture and Infrastructure’ workshop aims to teach students how to develop a multi-disciplinary (i.e. mobility, real estate, social infrastructure) and sustainable (i.e. Agenda 2030) innovative project through the collaboration and management of different stakeholders. The aim is to provide them with the tools to root their ideas in legal, economic and social understanding, supporting them with data and sectoral considerations. Students learn how to ‘sell’ their idea through effective communication presentations and develop public speaking skills that are essential for their future careers. In addition, they learn to apply research methods and critical analysis, enhancing their ability to continuously learn and adapt in complex and changing professional contexts.

The Lab provides insights into the promotion of innovative research in cultural heritage and social sciences. In particular, it will focus on the following topics: urban regeneration, cultural heritage, economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. It provides the study of methodological approaches for interdisciplinary collaboration in projects that combine culture, creativity, social cohesion and economic sciences. It examines successful experiences and case studies that highlight best practices and effective strategies for project implementation in the topics covered. Knowledge and understanding This course provides students with sufficient knowledge to understand the legal framework that supports the development of energy solutions. Students learn how to tailor the development of specific ideas based on an assessment of territorial needs, providing solutions that can be adapted to local circumstances. In addition, the workshop teaches participants how to structure a project, its economic sustainability, how to map stakeholders and develop feasible proposals. The knowledge acquired during the course aims to provide students with the skills to write a project on the topic of Urban Regeneration, Culture and Infrastructure. Students will learn how to balance innovative solutions and feasibility, learning how to make them sustainable and practicable. By the end of the lab, all participants should be able to write a project concept note independently. Judging skills By the end of the workshop, students are able to assess the requirements for developing an innovative project in the field of Urban Regeneration, Culture and Infrastructure and to understand the benefits it can generate for the territory and its inhabitants. They are able to assess the regulatory, economic and technological tools needed to make it sustainable and to exploit emerging technologies for the creation of positive social impacts. Furthermore, participants acquire skills on how to interact effectively with experts in the field and how to present convincing proposals to potential partners in their project, facilitating productive and lasting collaborations. Learning skills The ‘Urban Regeneration, Culture and Infrastructure’ workshop aims to teach students how to develop an innovative project through the collaboration of different stakeholders. The aim is to provide them with the tools to base their ideas on legal, economic and social understanding, supporting them with data and sectoral considerations. Students learn how to ‘sell’ their idea through effective communication presentations and develop public speaking skills, which are essential for their future careers. In addition, they learn to apply research methods and critical analysis, enhancing their ability to continuously learn and adapt in complex and changing professional contexts.

The breadth of the topics and their practical implications make it difficult to refer to a specific textbook. In general, reference will be made to industry standards (e.g. RICS ICMS; IPMS, WLCA, RED Book) that can provide a shared understanding of the market context. Reading materials, handouts and slides, referring to a specific lesson, are made available to students in advance.

Lessons take place mainly in face-to-face mode, complemented by a practical and collaborative approach through co-design processes. Students learn by applying theoretical notions directly to projects, working together and valuing peer collaboration. This combination of teaching approaches, integrating theory and practice, allows students to develop advanced design skills, deepen their knowledge of the field and explore innovative solutions. Active participation is strongly encouraged in each session, with students called upon to put into practice what they learn in class, thus fostering dynamic learning applied to real project needs.

Learning will be assessed through participation in class and group activities. Students will then be asked to make an individual written contribution to the project, which will be assessed on the basis of quality and adherence to the work done in the lectures.

The thesis assignment will be based on the following main criteria Consistency with the course themes (urban regeneration, culture, infrastructure). Originality and innovation of the proposed solutions. Practical application of the theoretical knowledge learnt during the course. Quality of the research and sources used. Clarity and structure of the paper, with a logical and professional argumentation. Sustainability and feasibility of the proposals. Ability to analyse and synthesise information. Participation and active contribution during the course. These criteria will ensure that the thesis reflects both the theoretical understanding and practical ability of the student.