When is a project really "necessary"? With this question, Agorà Design provokes students and professionals with the international call for entries of the biennial festival dedicated to the culture of architecture and design.

The festival, organized by Radio Salentina with the support and backing of Sprech, will return to Martano, in the heart of the Grecìa region of Salento, from October 2 to 5 to celebrate creativity and the circulation of ideas on cultural and social issues related to architecture and design.

The festival will be punctuated by a busy schedule of talks, conferences, events and thematic workshops with architects, designers, planners, creatives and entrepreneurs, and will host a large exhibition of the best projects submitted to the competition.

Divided into two sections, Living and Garden, the competition aims to stimulate innovative and sustainability-conscious ideas for the manufacturing sector and to promote national and international talent. Proposals should address functional, social and environmental challenges, responding to contemporary needs and timeless design principles through the theme of "necessary" design. The concept of "necessity" refers to that which is indispensable, and architecture and design have evolved as direct responses to human needs, adapting to and exploring available resources and technologies. Today, design is called upon to meet the modern challenges of sustainability, adaptability and innovation, and Agorà Design also takes up this challenge, inspired by Dieter Rams' philosophy of "less but better", encouraging simple, functional and durable solutions. A design is truly necessary when it meets current needs and fits harmoniously into the evolution of society.

The competition is open to students and design professionals. Participation is free and open, and registration is open until Monday, July 7 at 10 p.m.

Founded in 1996, Agorà Design is an event that promotes dialogue between different generations and cultures, focusing on research, innovation and experimentation in design and architecture. Since 2017, it has been organized by Sprech, which has included the festival in its corporate social responsibility projects. The festival has hosted prominent figures such as Stefano Boeri, Benedetta Tagliabue, Riccardo Falcinelli and Walter Mariotti, and has seen the participation of national and international experts and institutions, expanding its audience and visibility. The Festival provides a space for discussion between creativity, industry and the market, contributing to the growth of the sector and the circulation of ideas.