magicarpets is a research group at Columbia University’s GSAPP exploring design affinities between architecture and surf craft. Through formal and material experimentation, we hope to open and promote a discourse between these two design cultures.
DIY board building with Popular Science, 1935
Pacific System Homes - 1930s board builders
Dan Malloy - Finless, asymmetrical
Finless Tuna
Wegeners Bluegill
More finless fun (apologies for the music)
Finless - Derek Hynd showing the way

“Our projects are not born from previously known reflections… We are a bit like a surfer on the waves: he doesn’t control them, but he knows them; he knows how to make use of them and also how to go against the current.” - Rem Koolhaas
Click on the link to check out some great Campbell Brothers footage from the early years.


