Mateo Rivera

In a quiet studio just outside Valencia, Mateo Rivera reimagines ancient vessel-making through the lens of modern technology. Drawing from Spain’s rich design heritage and a deep concern for environmental balance, he creates sculptural planters using 3D printing and recycled PLA—a biodegradable material derived from corn starch and natural sources.

Each piece, though born from a machine, begins in Mateo’s sketchbook—shaped by his eye for proportion, texture, and restraint. Inspired by the sunbaked hues of Spanish clay and the minimalist lines of contemporary architecture, Mateo’s planters carry the duality of old and new, nature and craft. They are functional and expressive, designed to house life and encourage calm.

For Mateo, sustainability is not a trend—it’s a foundation. His process is slow, intentional, and rooted in the belief that good design should tread lightly. The result is an object that feels both futuristic and timeless: a vessel for plants, but also for care, thought, and possibility.