Applications are now open for the Porada International Design Award 2025, the international competition promoted by Porada — a leading company in furniture and home décor production — and POLI.design, a Consortium Company founded by Politecnico di Milano. In its 13th edition, this year's contest will focus on SOFAS, emphasising originality, innovation, and the pursuit of new design solutions. The contest will award the most creative proposals submitted by Italian and international students and professionals in the design world.
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Projects must incorporate solid wood as the predominant (but not necessarily exclusive) material, in combination with other materials from Porada's collection (such as leather, fabric, marble, ceramic, etc.). The objective is to interpret Porada's values and identity, enhancing the use of production technologies and traditional woodworking processes. At the same time, projects should provide functionality, compliance with safety regulations, ergonomic requirements, environmental considerations, and sustainable design principles.
Applications must be submitted online through the dedicated portal by January 31st, 2026.
'Just days after the conclusion of the 2024 edition, we are already working on the 2025 competition to provide participants with a long period for research and ideation. This year, for the first time, we have chosen sofas, a furniture category that has been part of Porada's production for a relatively short time—around a dozen years. Just as with beds, we expect to receive fascinating projects from all over the world,' explains Tiziano Allievi, CEO of Porada.
'Once again, we are pleased to support PORADA in this competition. The award has now become a global benchmark for Furniture Design, and we are happy to continue this journey within the tradition of Politecnico di Milano, rooted in Product Design and enhancing new talents,' says Cabirio Cautela, CEO of POLI.design. 'POLI.design supports business with an innovative and creative perspective. Through initiatives like this, in collaboration with our partners, we aim to strengthen and guide the future of the Italian Design System while providing young designers with valuable career opportunities.'
A jury of industry experts from Porada, POLI.design, and ADI will evaluate and select the winning projects. The evaluation criteria will include originality, the degree of innovation, and the search for new design solutions related to solid wood craftsmanship, material experimentation, surface finishes, and the ability of the projects to define and anticipate new usage scenarios and innovative furniture concepts, with a particular focus on the typological, technological, and morphological characteristics of sofas.
The Jury will select three winners in each category (Students and Professionals) and award the Giacomo Allievi Special Mention, for a total prize fund of € 11,000. The awards ceremony will take place during a dedicated event organised by Porada.
More information:
Porada
[email protected]
www.porada.it