Weitz 235 had a Refresh – and is no longer the Sandbox

27 August 2024
By Wiebke Kuhn

Weitz 235, a.k.a. the Sandbox, has been redesigned to become a flexible collaborative space.

Weitz235 in its new iteration
New furniture and technology in Weitz235

Thirteen years ago, its design of collaborative tables with accompanying monitors and computers, two projectors, and lots of erasable surfaces came at the height of the first wave of collaborative classrooms, often referred to as SCALE-UP classrooms.

The old Weitz 235 with fixed, round tables and monitors attached to the walls.
Weitz 235 before the refresh.

Over the years, we have learned that flexibility is more important than complex technology, so this year, the college decided to redo the space. 

Weitz 235 with no furniture and nothing on the walls.
Weitz 235 getting a refresh

The erasable surfaces remained, together with other collaborative features such as tables and chairs on casters, wireless presentation that allows for groups to share their work to one of the four new screens, and space. We also added a camera to allow for guest speakers.

The room now contains:

  • 48 seats with three seats per table. Tables can be in groups of two (with six seats) or in rows (for exams)
  • A control station in the corner of the room and a freewheeling desk for faculty
  • Four projectors
  • Wireless presentation for each projector
  • One camera for hybrid meetings and guest speakers

The controls in the room will allow for displaying the same image to all four screens or have different images at each screen for collaborative work and display of student work.

Stop by and check out the new space.