In an effort to create a sustainable umbrella, you must take reference to our natural environment. The natural world we inhabit has self sustained itself for millions of years. Humans are the sole reason for environmental problems such as global warming. The earth proceeds throughout time by following a cycle which involves creation (life) and destruction (death) with no indefinite end. The end of one cycle starts the beginning of another. Humans should attempt to progress with this cycle rather than against it. To create an umbrella that stays true to the cradle to cradle cycle you must use materials that can be safely borrowed from the earth and safely returned to the earth. Materiality is the key to the cycle. It’s not what you make, but what you make it from.

For my umbrella I incorporated a natural bamboo structural system. Bamboo is sustainable in two ways. First, bamboo plants grow much like grass, meaning they can be cut down and will continue to regenerate and grow, rather than dying. Secondly, bamboo is a biological nutrient, meaning it will safely decompose. Since these members will need to be connected, this will be accomplished by using pure metals. These materials will be very reliable, and when they have been used for a full cycle they can upcycled as a technical nutrient with no loss of quality. The handle will be made of pure bamboo and will be interchangeable; this will allow for changes in length and the renewal of old and broken handles.

The fabric cover is the most essential part of the umbrella, and also the most likely to malfunction, causing the umbrella to be useless. To solve this problem I have designed a fabric composed of woven flax fiber coated in beeswax. Both of these products are natural and will act as a biological nutrient. To make the umbrella useful after its cover has torn I have designed interchangeable covers. These can be stretched over the frame and held together by an elastic band which causes tension. This opens up opportunities for customizable umbrella covers, a means of advertisement, and a continuing business from customers. Since all the materials for the covers are natural the will cost less and weigh less. The overall shape of the umbrella was adjusted to an elliptical shape. This will use less material and address the upper torso of the human body more efficiently.

By utilizing these strategies umbrellas can reinsert themselves as items that will last much longer, change with the current fashion, be treasured by their owners, and allot themselves towards a more sustainable and just world.
003