The Next Generation of “Smart Playroom”
Unveiled by Related Companies

Last week we had the chance to try out the next generation of “Smart Playroom” at the stunning Zaha Hadid residences of 520 West 28th – To encourages makers of all ages to create, innovate and develop their design thinking Skills, preparing them for the fast-changing future.

Sandbox Playground is a temporary event space that will host partners on a rotating basis (starting with Nerdy Derby) – to bring innovative pop-ups and interactive exhibitions to expand Sandbox offerings to the entire neighborhood of West Chelsea and Hudson Yards – This innovation lab offers fun, thoughtful and original programming in robotics, ceramics, digital game design and app development, virtual reality and more.

The lucky kids (and adults) will be able to play with state-of-the-art rapid prototype tools like the Ultimaker 3D and Glowforge laser printers, as well as its own VR room with equipment by VIVE and Oculus.

The makerspace also provides access to a host of vetted professional makers of all disciplines for residents to engage directly for specialized training, tutoring, mentoring and personal or group activities. In between scheduled programming, Sandbox is available for residents to tinker, explore and innovate by themselves or with friends and family.

Sandbox Playground will host partners on a rotating basis to bring innovative pop-ups and interactive exhibitions to expand Sandbox offerings to the entire neighborhood of West Chelsea and Hudson Yards.

The first partner is the Nerdy Derby, an 501(c)(3) educational non-profit which will focus on hands-on building and competitive racing.

Participants will have the opportunity to create their own racecars and partake in friendly “no-rules” competition utilizing a custom racetrack alongside a “Super Jump” ramp which measures the distance the cars travel.
“Related Companies’ deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit has continuously challenged us to provide more for our residents and their families, as well as for the neighboring community of our buildings,” said Greg Gushee, Executive Vice President of Related Companies.

“Technology is quickly changing the world through automation and artificial intelligence and it is incumbent upon us to help prepare for it by fostering the ability to create, ideate and work productively. We are thrilled to unveil Sandbox and Sandbox Playground as exciting new resources for residents of all ages and the community to enjoy and we hope to continue to positively impact the next generation of makers.”

Related Companies worked with industry leaders, educators, local schools and youth groups, to bring the space to life. STEAM educator and makerspace consultant, Lesa Wang, advised on the development of Sandbox and is helping to curate dynamic offerings for residents, while industry pioneers like the Brooklyn Robot Foundry and MacInspires will activate as part of the robust events calendar.

Providing unparalleled resources to collaborate, explore, and invent using the latest in digital fabrication technologies, Sandbox is the first makerspace of its kind housed in a residential building. Through Sandbox, children and adults are given the opportunity to transform their ideas into reality while developing competitive skills for success in the rapidly evolving digital age.

This is just one of many ways in which Related Companies demonstrates its commitment to innovative programming, one-of-a-kind amenities and communal offerings. Through services like Sandbox, Dog City, in- door and outdoor playgrounds and ‘Kid’s Club’ which offers diverse weekend programming from music to robotics to arts & crafts and more, Related Companies strives to enhance the residential experience for families and demonstrate our unparalleled service.

The interiors of Sandbox represent a collaboration between Zaha Hadid Architects, Hadid’s legacy architecture firm that tactfully saw through her vision for 520 West 28th, and Christin Farrar. The design embodies Zaha Hadid’s spirit of innovation, immeasurable dreams and the legacy she left behind.