Project Overview
Adolph Fluid Curve Series is inspired by the Canton Tower, a landmark building in Guangzhou, nicknamed “Xiao Man Yao” for its distinctive slim-waisted shape. Drawing on its architectural aesthetics, represented by streamlined curves, diamond patterns, and a metallic finish, it reimagines these elements as the core visual language of packaging. It successfully integrates regional cultural symbols with modern packaging, creating a product that is both visually distinctive and rich in cultural meaning. The packaging helps to communicate local culture and brand values, fostering a deep emotional connection with the brand and a sense of cultural belonging among consumers.
Organisation
Team
Diansong Chen: The general manager of project creativity
Ya Chen: Chief Product Officer
Jiabin Lin, Jingyi Zhao, Jincai Chen: Creative Design Execution
Chuzhen Cui, Jieyi Xiong, Mei He: Planning and execution
Project Brief
The project is guided by two key objectives: the revitalisation of regional culture and the elevation of brand value. The design team conducted an in-depth study of the Canton Tower’s architectural aesthetics, translating them into a three-dimensional packaging characterised by diamond patterns and a metallic finish. This delivers both visual distinction and cultural significance. Furthermore, ergonomic considerations were integrated to optimise the grip and handling experience, enhancing both user comfort and product practicality.
Project Innovation/Need
The design draws on the iconic aesthetic features of the Canton Tower—its streamlined curves, diamond patterns, and a metallic finish—as core visual elements. The bottle’s narrowed midsection mimics the tower’s curve, enhancing visual appeal while evoking immediate recognition. The diamond patterns help consumers associate the packaging with the Canton Tower through touch, reinforcing cultural identity. In addition, the metallic coating effectively blocks ultraviolet rays from sunlight, slowing material aging to preserve long-term product quality.
Ergonomic considerations are integral to the design. The narrowed midsection fits comfortably in the space between the thumb and forefinger, while the diamond-patterned texture improves the grip in wet conditions, addressing the common problem of slippage with traditional cylindrical bottles. This design allows for a stable and comfortable grip without the need for conscious adjustment, greatly improving both practicality and the overall user experience.
Design Challenge
One of the key challenges in the design process was translating the complex architectural form of the Canton Tower into a streamlined packaging design, while maintaining a balance between visual impact, environmental sustainability, and practical usability.
To overcome these challenges, the following strategies were adopted: Firstly, the architectural form of the tower is abstracted into a streamlined 3D bottle design with diamond patterns, distilling its complexity into a clear form while retaining its essential visual identity. Secondly, recyclable materials and environmentally friendly production methods are used to reduce the environmental burden from packaging waste. Thirdly, the ergonomic design is optimised to improve grip comfort and slip resistance, ensuring a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Effectiveness
The packaging uses recyclable PET and PCR materials to reduce environmental impact and extend the service life of plastics. Additionally, plant-based inks are used in the coating to reduce dependence on petroleum-derived products, further enhancing the packaging’s sustainability, aligning with the growing consumer demand for green products.
By transforming the Canton Tower—a cultural landmark of Guangzhou—into a packaging, the design breathes new life into regional culture and promotes its communication. This approach not only strengthens consumers’ emotional connection to and cultural pride in the city but also elevates the brand’s role as an ambassador of local culture.
Graphic Design - Three Dimensional
This award celebrates creative and innovative design in traditional or digital visual representation of ideas and messages used in packaging. Consideration given to: clarity of communication and the matching information style to audience; the approach, including marketing and branding concerns, the dynamics of the retail environment, environmental considerations, and legal requirements; the component parts of packaging graphics such as colour rationalisation, information layout, feel and tone of illustration and photography, and finishes, and how they are used in isolation and in relation to each other; and the relationship to the anatomy of the structural design.
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