Leshi Sofa Blends Furniture and Architecture Through Slavic Cultural Memory

The Leshi sofa, designed by Olga Petrova-Podolskaya of Design Lab KOD.objects, reimagines furniture as an architectural object. Drawing inspiration from early Slavic domestic culture where interiors used integrated elements like benches and chests, the design focuses on spatial qualities such as mass, enclosure, and stability rather than decorative details. Named after a Slavic mythological figure interpreted as an atmosphere, the sofa features a low, monolithic form with wide cylindrical armrests and a rounded backrest, creating a landscape-like presence. Its upholstery adds tactile contrast with textures reminiscent of animal wool, balancing solidity with softness. The project engages cultural memory through form and material, contributing to discussions on local identity in design.