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The Sandbox
Project type
Live Event, Physical Build, Interactive Installation, Projection Mapping, Real Time
Date
2020
LionTree, a prestigious merchant bank at the center of the world’s largest technology and entertainment transactions, hosts an annual retreat that gathers industry leaders to explore trends shaping the future. Our relationship with LionTree began with The Sandbox, a project that combined immersive technology and meaningful storytelling to support rainforest conservation efforts in Guatemala.
The event featured projector-based globes as displays, and LionTree approached us to design content and experiences around this technology. To highlight the noble conservation initiative and the event’s theme of connectedness, we created The Sandbox, a multi-sensory, interactive art piece that invited guests to engage, collaborate, and leave their individual mark on the performance.
At the heart of The Sandbox was a large LED screen depicting a dynamic, real-time scene of a Guatemalan Mayan ruin, set in the rainforest LionTree was sponsoring. The accompanying globe display showcased the forest’s diverse wildlife, with scenes triggered by physical statues placed near the globe using RFID chips. These statues also influenced the weather within the visuals, creating an evolving environment for participants to explore.
A central sandbox incorporated projection mapping and depth sensors to simulate the topography of the rainforest. As guests combed their hands through the sand, the visuals responded in real time, reflecting changes in the forest’s terrain, fauna, and weather patterns. A striking Mayan sundial allowed participants to control the passage of time, shifting the visuals from day to night, while an immersive soundscape—crafted from real samples from the region—enhanced the experience.
The entire installation was housed within a beautifully fabricated design, blending artistry and technology to create a cohesive and impactful narrative.
Completed in just five weeks, The Sandbox was an extraordinary accomplishment for my team. Unveiled shortly before the pandemic began, it served as a poignant reminder of the importance of connection—between people, nature, and shared experiences.
