Studio Woork’s Tea Heaven Receives Silver Prize at APD Seoul 2024

On October 22, 2024, Studio Woork’s packaging design for Tea Heaven was awarded the Silver Prize at the 2024 Asia Package Design (APD) Conference held in Seoul, South Korea. Tea Heaven is a locally sourced tea brand that “introduces the world of tea, its culture, and its range”.

All entries to APD 2024 are evaluated under three core criteria: innovation, where the design must display a high level of creativity by introducing a new concept with a fresh approach in its execution; aesthetics, the visual appearance and functionality of the design in creating an exciting and interesting user experience; social and environmental responsibility, which measures the extent in which the design took into consideration the sustainability of the product through the use of environmentally friendly materials as well as the impact on society.

Studio Woork’s design was inspired by nature and handicrafts originating in Sukabumi, West Java in its use of the eco-friendly bamboo as the packaging material. In fact, the Tea Heaven packaging is crafted and produced by Indonesian crafters in Sukabumi. In fulfilling a high standard in the APD’s points of examination, the design for Tea Heaven by Io Woo, Studio Woork’s founder and creative director, and the Studio Woork team was able to gain the Silver Prize as one of the most innovative and sustainable works at the event. 

APD is a renowned event which aims to promote the development of design and exchange design knowledge in the Asian region. This year, the event was held from October 16th to the 27th with the theme of “End, And: Every End is a New Beginning”. Along with Studio Woork’s design for Tea Heaven, four other Indonesian creatives were finalists at the APD 2024 Awards: Nstudio’s Hanina Sharafina’s “Better Impack”; JED Creative’s Jessica Halim’s “Demibumi”; freelance designer Mariska Adriani’s “Ransiki” for Pipiltin Cocoa; and Qualita Company’s Lulu Bong’ “No-Tape Box”.

Studio Woork was represented at the event by Association of Indonesian Graphic Designers (ADGI) Vice-Chairwoman Cita Tahir who brought all the shortlisted entries from Indonesia to the awards ceremony. “We’re very proud that an Indonesian project received the Silver Prize, keeping in mind that this is the first year that Indonesia has participated in the Asia Package Design Award. This achievement shows that Indonesian designers are capable of competing at an international level by prioritizing innovation, care for the environment, and showcasing Indonesian culture,” Cita said. 

Ritchie Ned Hansel, Chairman of ADGI, added, “We hope that this win can motivate young Indonesian designers to keep innovating and bringing Indonesia to the International stage. This is not just about aesthetics, but also about social and environmental responsibility which must be taken on by all designers.” The packaging for Tea Heaven by Studio Woork was on display at the APD Awards 2024 alongside fellow prize winners at the event.