Software: Modo, solidThinking Inspire, Rhino, Grasshopper, CC Photoshop, CC Illustrator, need program for cnc fiber-winding | Materials: 3D printed ____ core, cnc composite fiber-wound shell, 3D printed cork | Ongoing

Floats is all about “making things different”. The name and brand represent an ongoing body of research investigating how novel digital design and fabrication techniques contribute to changing conception, production and perception of consumer goods.

Ultralight outdoor gear is the vehicle. Floats synthesizes and leverages several contemporary discourses as a means to maximize sustainability in manufacturing processes and performance of gear in the field.

The first concept design under the Floats label is a new approach to ultralight trekking poles. The design involves a 3D printed core that is cnc composite fiber-wound. Via topology optimization and biometric parametric inputs, both the core and the monocoque shell are modulated based on performance needs while optimizing manufacturing efficiency. Material where you need it, none where you don’t.