AI Gets a Seat at the Table With Kartell’s A.I. Lite Chair

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In an industry where AI is often viewed with skepticism – seen as a threat to originality and the unique perspective designers bring to the table – Kartell and Philippe Starck are flipping the narrative. Rather than fear what artificial intelligence might replace, they’re exploring what it can enhance. Their latest design, the A.I. Lite chair, is a product of that curiosity: a sleek, armless seat that embraces AI not as a rival, but as a creative partner.

This isn’t the first time Starck has tapped into artificial intelligence as a design collaborator. The A.I. Lite chair is the newest member of the A.I. family, an initiative launched in 2019 when Starck and Kartell first introduced a chair co-designed by AI. Developed using generative design principles, the collection relies on parameters set by Starck – focusing on aesthetics and functionality – while optimizing for Kartell’s production capabilities. Since then, the series has expanded to include lounge chairs, stools, and consoles, all made from recycled thermoplastic polymers and built with sustainability in mind.

An outdoor dining table set for a meal, featuring colorful chairs, assorted tableware, hanging decorations, and surrounded by lush trees and greenery

Outdoor patio with a round white table, two blue chairs, and four tall, white columns with colorful bands, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming purple flowers

Two modern chairs, one black and one white, are placed next to a white outdoor table on a patio with greenery and trees in the background

“Every year, Kartell investigates new technologies and materials, setting increasingly ambitious goals not only in industrial terms but also regarding sustainability compliance,” says Lorenza Luti, Kartell’s Marketing and Retail Director. “We aimed to be the first to leverage this new technology in the furniture industry, which enables us to merge generative design, industrial technology, and environmental respect. This approach allows us to create next-generation, eco-friendly products without compromising on aesthetic quality or performance.”

A white outdoor dining table with four wooden chairs sits under large tree branches, surrounded by greenery and hanging lanterns in a garden setting

The A.I. Lite chair is a refined evolution of the original concept. Available in White, Black, Green, Brown, Grey, Moka, and Petroleum, its silhouette is clean and fluid, with softly curved edges that give it a sculptural presence without feeling bulky. Despite its minimalist appearance, the chair maintains the comfort and structural integrity set out in Starck’s original brief. Lightweight yet sturdy, it’s designed for everyday use across a variety of settings, from residential dining rooms to commercial spaces. The absence of armrests not only gives it a more open and versatile profile, but also reduces material use – making it both physically and environmentally lighter.

A swimming pool with clear water is in the foreground. Two white chairs and a small white table sit on the poolside patio. Large rocks, trees, and greenery are in the background under a blue sky

Poolside view with four metal chairs and two small white tables on a concrete patio, surrounded by greenery and trees under a clear blue sky

By merging machine-generated input with Starck’s signature vision and Kartell’s manufacturing expertise, the A.I. Lite chair proves that AI and human insight don’t have to compete. In the right hands, they can collaborate, and create something both forward-thinking and beautifully functional.

Outdoor patio with teal chairs and white tables set for dining; a white building with "Rosemary" painted on it and purple flowers on the wall in the background

Outdoor café tables and chairs are set under a flowering tree in front of a stone building with arched windows and a cross on the roof

Seven modern plastic chairs in different colors are arranged in a row against a plain white background

Five modern plastic chairs in different colors are set against a plain white background

six modern plastic chairs in different colors are set against a plain white background

four modern plastic chairs in different colors are set against a plain white background

Two modern, minimalist chairs with geometric cut-out backs; one is dark blue, and the other is light gray-green, both set against a plain white background

Two modern plastic chairs with cut-out backrests, one in dark brown and one in orange, positioned side by side on a white background

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Two modern, white plastic chairs with minimalist design are placed on a plain light background

Close-up of a modern white chair with a smooth, curved seat and backrest featuring cut-out geometric shapes

A modern white plastic chair with a curved backrest and cut-out geometric design, placed on a plain white background

To learn more about the A.I. Lite chair, or the rest of the A.I. family designed by Kartell and Philippe Starck, visit kartell.com.

Photos courtesy of Kartell.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.





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