I approached the problem of making umbrellas more sustainable by looking at ways in which to raise the "design value" to the consumer. By focusing on the relationship the user has to the umbrella and consequently its value to the user, the object has less appeal to be disposed of readily. REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE.

A problem I believe that umbrellas on the market have today is that they are not living up to their fantasy potential. The umbrella has a rich historical resonance within many different cultures. But, today the umbrella is an example of anonymous design. Their commoditization has left them with bland expression. So, it is time that an umbrella
was designed that lived up to the stories and imagery that our imaginations are sparked with as a child.

OPEN

The action of opening and closing an umbrella is its surprise, mystery, and fun. The Open Umbrella operates backwards. Instead of having an upper spring, the umbrella is pulled open the lengthening of the shaft. The cords running through the shaft of the umbrella create the reverse tension. The cords are attached to the support beams to the arms and to the bottom of the handle, which has the characteristic of a bendy-straw.

By eliminating the upper spring, the umbrella is simplified and will also be safer for children. Also, with this design the arms of the umbrella are straight creating a look similar to a Chinese oiled parasol. In this way, the construction could be made out of natural materials with the exclusion of the elongating handle, which would most likely have to be plastic.

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