NEW YORK CITY- Related Companies is adding to its tech-powered amenities and communal offerings, opening one of the first of many innovation labs on 520 W28th St. in Manhattan's Highline Neighborhood.

Sandbox Powered by Related, is a STEAM-focused innovation lab for all ages designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in the Highline. Sandbox, a markerspace, offers original programming in robotics, ceramics, digital game design and app development, virtual reality, and other tech-centered activities.

Related Companies collaborated with industry leaders, educators, local schools and youth groups, to execute the space. STEAM-centered companies like Brooklyn Robot Foundry and MacInspires are on the events calendar, curated by STEAM educator and Makerspace consultant Lesa Wang.

Other Sandbox locations are set to follow. And in addition to the first Sandbox location that switches educational partners ever so often, Related Companies will open the Sandbox Playground on W27th Street for this fall. The Playground will host partners on a rotating basis to bring innovative pop-ups and interactive exhibitions to not just the Highline, but West Chelsea and Hudson Yards.

The first partner is the Nerdy Derby, a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit focused on hands-on building and competitive racing. Participants can create their racecars and partake a "no-rules" competition utilizing a custom racetrack alongside a "Super Jump" ramp that measures the distance the cars travel.

Sandbox is one of the first makerspace in residential building, and will provide children and adults opportunities to access technology and educational resources to develop their competitive skills.

The new offering will join other Related programs such as Dog City, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and 'Kid's Club,' offering weekend programming from music to robotics to arts & crafts, with the first of many immersive innovation labs set to open.

Instant Insights /

Related Companies Extends Tech Programming Commitment to the Highline

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