Stem
DURATION
2022 - 2024
CLIENT
Al Madinah Heritage
In 2022, Sophus Bang was invited by the Danish-Greek branding agency Lazy snail to collaborate as Industrial Design Lead on an ambitious project for NUA by Al Madinah Heritage Company, a visionary Saudi Arabian start-up.
The client sought to create ultra-premium packaging that would reflect the exceptional quality of their dates, launched under the NUA brand.
RETHINKING DATE PACKAGING
Competitor research conducted by the Lazy snail team revealed a clear trend: nearly all brands relied on generic, prefabricated containers with little design distinction across brands. No competitor had invested in a truly original design that embodied the cultural depth and narrative of their brand. That’s where we saw an opportunity.
A DESIGN ROOTED IN TRADITION
In Saudi Arabia, dates hold deep cultural significance. For millennia, date palms have been cultivated, their highly nutritious fruit sustaining communities. A striking element of this process is the trimming of withered date palm leaves, which leaves behind an iconic geometric pattern on the tree trunk.
This pattern, symbolizing the vital bond between humans and nature, became the core inspiration for Stem.
A FUNCTIONAL & SYMBOLIC DESIGN
Stem is a modular, stackable bonbonnière, designed for storing and elegantly serving NUA’s exclusive dates.
_ Each layer is divided into seven cavities, celebrating the tradition of breaking the Muslim fast with seven dates.
_ The lid and layers interlock geometrically and self-center in any orientation, making production highly precise—and imitation difficult.
_ Achieving perfect symmetry and consistency required specialized tooling and meticulous calibration during the stamping process.
ENGINEERING & CRAFTSMANSHIP
Our client’s demand for premium materials and exceptional craftsmanship led us to partner with highly skilled producers across four continents. Managing time zones, shifting targets, and tight deadlines, we ensured every delivery was made on time and to the highest standards.
AWARD-WINNING EXCELLENCE
Stem was recognized with two prestigious international design awards in 2024
iF Design Award
Pentaward Silver
ABOUT SOPHUS
Multi-award-winning industrial designer with over 20 years of experience in high-end product design. Raised in the Danish design tradition and mentored by master designer David Lewis, Sophus is passionate about creating meaningful, lasting design solutions. His approach is rooted in empathy, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations. He believes in long-term collaborations built on trust and mutual respect, ensuring that every project is not just a product but a true reflection of a brand’s identity.
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contact@sophusbang.com
