While the initial look of the Melt Umbrella may not seem radically different, the thinking behind it is. Every piece of the umbrella has a specific purpose. Making it easy for the user to be "green" and providing options was also a focus of the design.

Image 1) The melting aesthetic of the cover and the bottom of the handle is intended to visually foreshadow the ultimate fate of the umbrella.

Image 2) The umbrella is made of three layers of biodegradable but waterproof agricultural film available from companies like Bioagri. ( http://www.biobags.co.uk/products/agro/bio_agri_main.htm) The tri-level construction allows for vents that protect the umbrella structure from too much tension in powerful wind.

Image 3) The internal structure has been radical redefined. Natural wax coated, recycled cardboard semi-cylinders are cut at angles and strung together. The angled cuts create a staggered curve.

Image 4) The initial material chosen for the structure was bamboo. However the unpredictable nature of the size of the bamboo might produce a less reliable product. It is still however a viable alternative thanks to its fast growth and strength.

Image 5) The strings or rope are attached to the bottom portion of the two part handle. When the handle is extended, the string is pulled tight and connects the otherwise free floating cardboard sections. The handle is easily unlocked and locked into place by a small twist.

Image 6) To keep the tubing from twisting, a guide was created at the very top of the handle. This also creates a less "pointy" look for the closed umbrella and enhances the melting aesthetic in its closed form

Image 7) A concept for marketing. This product is intended as an introductory product for people who are interested in being more "green" but might no have been in the past. It would also look pretty good in ID Magazine (Hint Hint) Please contact me for a larger format to review.

Image 8) The structure of the umbrella, should it fail, could be easily fixed by replacing a broken string or rope (the most likely reason for this structure's failure.) If the user prefers not to fix it, the umbrella has all the ingredients for a new garden.

Seeds are included in the bottom of the handle. The biodegradable film can be used for it original agricultural propose and serves to block weeds and nourish the soil once it has "melted" away. The cardboard semi-cylinders can also be used as protection for young seedlings. Even if the user decides to compost instead, all of these parts go on to nourish the biological cycle.

The plastic handle's parts are obviously not intended to be biodegradable. Instead these parts can returned to the technological cycle. Again the user has a choice. The recyclable plastic can be appropriately "thrown away" to a proper recycling facility, or can be returned to the retailer for a discount on a new Melt Umbrella and garden.

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