Sheng Jin, Chao Yang and Wenqi Wu · CLIENT: Communication University of Zhejiang
Forest Spring is a packaging design for bottled water. The label is based on the Chinese character sen, meaning forest, which is transformed into an ink landscape. Calligraphic strokes, tonal gradation and spatial contrast evoke mountains, trees and natural vitality within a single form. The composition was refined in vector format and calibrated for consistent print reproduction. The transparent bottle holds 500 millilitres and has a twist-off cap. The design expresses purity and harmony between people and nature.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The chinese character "sen" (forest) symbolizes forest and nature. This design transforms the character into a chinese ink landscape, using brushwork and spatial contrast to evoke mountains and vitality. Rooted in the philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature, it expresses ecological coexistence and reflects the pure, natural essence of "forest spring."
- Dimensions & Packaging
- bottle 65 mm diameter x 210 mm height, 500 ml capacity, neck 28 mm pco 1881
material food grade pet, wall thickness 0.25 to 0.35 mm
label area 190 mm x 60 mm wrap around
cap hdpe tamper evident
net weight 12 to 14 g bottle, 2 g cap
secondary package 400 mm x 270 mm x 220 mm, 24 bottles per corrugated carton - Tags
- Chinese character design, forest symbolism, water ink landscape, typography innovation, eco-conscious branding
- Production Technology
- The design was realized through structural deconstruction of the character "sen," examining stroke proportion and spatial hierarchy to reconstruct it as a landscape form. digital ink-wash simulations replicated xuan paper diffusion and tonal gradation. The composition was refined in vector format for scalability and brand application, then color-calibrated with cmyk optimization to ensure consistency across print and packaging production.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was transforming the Chinese character "sen" into a visually compelling landscape while preserving its legibility and cultural meaning. internally, balancing historical calligraphy aesthetics with modern brand storytelling required careful study of traditional ink techniques and symbolism. externally, constraints included digital reproduction limits, printing technology, and material properties, which demanded iterative testing and refinement to ensure both artistic integrity and practical manufacturability.
- Project Duration
- The project started in August 2025 in Hangzhou and finished in October 2025 in Hangzhou
- Operation Flow
- The bottle is easy to use: simply twist off the cap to pour or drink. Its ergonomic shape fits comfortably in hand, while the transparent body allows users to see the water level. the label’s visual design guides the eye to the brand and emphasizes purity. Lightweight and durable, the bottle is easy to carry, stack, and store, ensuring convenience and a premium experience while maintaining a natural, eco-conscious impression.
- Research
- Type of research: design-driven cultural study. Objective: explore how Chinese characters can convey ecological and brand values. methodology: visual analysis and typographic experimentation. Data collection/tools: ink painting simulations, digital sketching, surveys on perception. participants: 30 viewers and design experts. results: "sen" effectively communicates nature and purity. Insights: integrating traditional aesthetics enhances brand storytelling and fosters eco-conscious design, impacting society and sustainable product perception.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by the ecological symbolism of the Chinese character "sen" (forest), this project explores how typography embodies environmental philosophy. Drawing from traditional chinese ink landscape aesthetics and harmony between humanity and nature, the design transforms a character into a spatial visual narrative. The research integrates calligraphic structure, ink composition, and brand communication strategies to express the natural purity and sustainable values of "forest spring."
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