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.

Using umbrellas as a means to fly or parachute is a common theme in movies and stories. As a child my sister and I would jump from the sofa with umbrellas to feel the fabric pulled taught by the upwards draft. In these small seconds, we could fly.

The focus of the concept is to provide the user with the sensation of flying by giving visual and physical feedback. The canopy fabric has flaps, which blow up, and open revealing a patterned, inner fabric. Within the holes in the canopy there are netting, which allows the air to flow through but not the flaps. Both fabrics are made of
lightweight nylon. The arms of the umbrella are made of sustainable bamboo. The user with a given pattern can sew the shell, or it could be done in manufacturing.

The inner fabric is blue and white stripes reminiscent of clouds,rain, and Mary Poppins. This umbrella looks like an ordinary blackumbrella when closed. As soon as it is opened it has an added playful feature.

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