From Vintage Vibes to Dolby Dreams: Sandbox Films HQ in New York City.

In Manhattan‘s Flatiron District, a cinematic utopia where the art of storytelling meets the art of design has taken shape. Sandbox Films, an award-winning documentary production company, has found its home in a landmarked 1920s neo-gothic skyscraper. When the company embarked on the journey to create a space that would fuse the technical and artistic sides of filmmaking, they turned to Civilian for their expertise in storytelling through design.

Sandbox Films’ rise to prominence in the world of documentary filmmaking has been nothing short of meteoric. With critically acclaimed projects such as ‘Fire of Love’ and ‘All Light, Everywhere,’ they needed a workspace that matched their creative fervour.

The 400sqm interior defies convention, embracing the grandeur of early movie houses from Stockholm and Amsterdam, the elegance of Art Deco cinemas, and the visionary colour palettes of Danish modernist architect and designer Poul Henningsen. All these elements are harmoniously blended with the aura of interwar New York, thanks to the project’s iconic Broadway address.

Newlab Co-Working Space in New York by CIVILIAN.

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The heart of this creative haven is the Dolby Atmos screening room—the only one of its kind in New York City. Civilian, along with a team of sound engineers, has meticulously concealed sound equipment and acoustic elements behind wool and walnut panels. The fully reclining periwinkle blue seats, customized for the project, envelop viewers in cinematic magic. The projection screen, framed in walnut and accented with vertical brass sconces, showcases the film’s artistry.

In the central reception area, a stone-topped bar transforms into an entertaining space illuminated by rows of marquee lights. A custom bouclé and velvet sofa, inspired by Pierre Chareau’s designs, beckons guests, while a stone-topped custom credenza showcases the work of Brooklyn-based artist Dustin Yellin. Lit film poster frames adorn the walls, hinting at the cinematic wonders within.

The Tallest Mass Timber Office Building in London by Waugh Thistleton Architects & Daytrip.

The Black & White Building isn’t just an object lesson in sustainable architecture—it’s also a holistic meeting ground for creatives...

Throughout the interior, mint green acoustic sliding doors create visual connections, leading to private offices and editing suites designed for small-group screenings and editing sessions. The communal workspace offers flexibility with sit-stand workstations and a touch of nature with a collection of plants.

This transformation also pays homage to the building’s architectural heritage, with travertine-clad structural columns acting as thresholds between public and private spaces, seamlessly blending the past and the present.

In a world where the lines between work and art blur, Sandbox Films and Civilian have created a workspace that fosters creativity, community, and the art of storytelling.

Mirage Cinema by DA Bureau Reinterprets the History of Film Technology.

Set within a historic building that required significant rework, light became a vessel for the project uniting the new digs with its inspiration...

[Images courtesy of Civilian. Photography by Chris Mottalini.]