LEIA is brought to life through robotic 3D printing. Crafted from recycled PLA granules and colored with natural pigments, the material choice dictates the entire design approach.
The chair’s form is a direct result of this additive process, merging resource efficiency with a distinct technical aesthetic. Foregoing standard infill, LEIA is printed as a thick-walled profile—significantly reducing both material consumption and print time to just under three hours.
The colored inserts in the legs are more than just visual accents. Integrated directly during the printing process, they provide essential structural stability while highlighting the chair's unique construction.
This digital manufacturing method facilitates on-demand production, effectively eliminating overproduction and inventory waste. Fully customizable in color, width, and size, LEIA creates a personalized, long-lasting connection between product and user.
The name LEIA [leɪər] pays homage to the manufacturing process and embodies the core concept of the design.
Phonetically derived from the word "Layer," the name is a deliberate nod to the additive nature of 3D printing—building the object layer by layer. The design intent was never to hide or smooth over these production artifacts. On the contrary, the visible layers are celebrated.
Far from being a flaw, they are the central aesthetic feature, lending the chair its unique texture and honest character. LEIA is a statement on digital fabrication, elevating the method itself to the subject of the design.
