Welcome to the EFURM course: Reviving Urban Spaces – Empowering Facilitators in Urban Regeneration and Museums. This online program introduces participants to the core vision and methodology of the EFURM project, which explores how inclusive urban regeneration can be strategically driven through cultural institutions —particularly museums— as catalysts for social change and innovation. Within this framework, we place a central emphasis on the integration of neurodiversity as a critical lens for rethinking both the design and the function of cultural and urban spaces.
Urban regeneration today must go beyond physical renovation; it must embody inclusivity, accessibility, and community empowerment. Museums and cultural venues are uniquely positioned as platforms for this transformation. They serve not only as custodians of heritage but as active agents of urban cohesion, capable of engaging diverse publics and fostering a sense of belonging. In this course, you will be introduced to the concept of neurodiversity—the natural variation in cognitive functioning within the human population—and examine how its consideration is essential in reimagining cultural spaces that are accessible and enriching for all.
Through a blend of theoretical insights and applied tools, we will explore why professionals in the field of regeneration and cultural facilitation must develop competencies in neuro inclusive design, audience development, and participatory strategies. Museums will be studied as case studies and living labs for inclusive practices, where the design of both physical environments and digital experiences must meet the needs of all users, including neurodivergent individuals.