Is it possible to intercept new creative energies in the hyperlocal dimension? In a world calling for a change of pace in terms of sustainability, how can a designer and an architect respond to society's demands? Through the recovery of forgotten or fallen into disuse knowledge and techniques, is it possible to give new impetus to the culture of design by following the specificities and history of territories? These are the issues addressed by Agorà Design, a biennial festival celebrating the circulation of ideas on cultural and social issues related to architecture and design, innovation and design biodiversity, conceived by the cultural association of the same name directed by Lucia Rescio and supported by Sprech and other public and private entities.

From 28 September to 1 October 2023, the event enlivened the indoor and outdoor spaces of the Palazzo Baronale in Martano, in the province of Lecce, with exhibitions of projects and prototypes, light and site-specific installations, experimental pavilions and a pergola space under which various conversations and presentations were held.

The central pivot of Agorà Design is the competition open to students and professionals, this year divided into the 'Living' and 'Garden' sections. The contest aims to stimulate innovative and competitive ideas for the production sector, enhancing talents and resources in the national and international territory. Around 200 projects were received from all over the world. In addition to the large participation of designers from all over Italy, this year Agorà Design took on an even more international connotation: entries were received from Colombia, Belgium, Turkey, England, Austria, India, Poland, China, Ukraine, Korea, Egypt and Greece.

The winning projects were selected during the festival. In the 'Living' section, dedicated to the world of interior design (furnishing complements, fabrics, wall coverings, flooring), the victory among professionals went to 'Linfa - Il riposo che nutre l'anima' a prototype by Apulian architect Davide Decarli, realised in collaboration with Pecore Attive. Among the students, "Searamic", self-produced by Giulio Bragagnolo from Veneto and Paolo Sgarzi from Bologna, won the prize.

The design tables of the 'Garden' section, reserved for outdoor with daybeds (solutions halfway between outdoor sofa and sunbed), seats (sofas, armchairs, chairs) and covers (gazebos, tensile structures, awnings), intrigued visitors and the jury, which awarded 'Felicity' by Colombian Samuel David Silva Batista. Salento student Ludovica Quarta convinced the jurors with 'Sicq'.