Capsareo is a contrived name comprised of two Latin words. The first is capsa. Capsa means case or envelope. Areo is a verb that means ‘to keep dry.’ Intended as weather-protection device, it organizes raindrops away from the individual expressively. Capsareo is also a backpack, which allows for hands-free usage. Stowing any personal items makes it a dual-functioning item. Average-sized laptops nestle into the cargo space aptly.

Capsareo operates upon a checkout system, whereby a customer rents from a street vendor. The fee could be five dollars per day use. Checking one out occurs after a credit card and simple agreement with signature is processed. If a customer does not return it by a posted time the following day, they are charged an additional amount. If they decide not to return the device, they are charged the full amount for the item (I.e. set a week after initial transaction). This essentially means they have purchased a Capsareo.

Buying a Capsareo off the shelf is dissuaded based solely on ecological principal. Constructing a closed-loop between the user and the vendor, the item acts in a purely eco-effective way. How many items do we own that are not based on a desire for the ownership? But instead find their way as our belongings because we desire some service they provide? The supply chain, in this case, is designed at the get go, avoiding a wasteful stream of consumption. The fitness for Capsareo is two-tiered. One is damage to the rain-protection device and the other is depletion of the air cartridges.

Capsareo is installed with two cartridges by the vendor before a customer use. After inflation, the user may encounter another rainstorm. Between the two weather events, they pack the deflated canopy and fold it into its resting position. Each cartridge fills the canopy to maximum levels per usage. The individual has the capability of protecting themselves from four rainstorms. Two backup air cartridges are stowed inside the container part of the backpack.

Beyond the closed-loop supply system, Capsareo features Cradle-to-Cradle material usage. Weaved together by both technical and biological nutrients, it sings the MBDC tune. Majority of its materials belong to the technical nutrient category. The external skin of the item is‘eternal’ polyester. The molded plastic body, like all material usage, only uses chemicals approved to follow environmental and human health standards set by Cradle-to-Cradle Principals. Manufacturing of Capsareo occurs after designation of one of the four color categories setup by MBDC.

The biological component of Capsareo is the transparent canopy, which is constructed of a soy bio-resin. This sustainable feedstock is biodegradable. Upon failure and deterioration of the canopy, it is sent back to the manufacturer whereby the resin is composted. Beyond this, its design is partially biomimetic, both graphically and for the fiddle-head canopy supports. A sequence of numbers derived from an altered Fibonacci equation resulted in a tightly-spiraling matrix. This form is perfect for the self-supporting nature of the fiddleheads when both closed and opening.

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