Masters Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

A cutting-edge STEM-focused educational facility that blends contemporary elements with historic campus language.

The building is organized along the same principle as the “Harkness Method” of collaborative nonhierarchical instruction. The IEC serves as a social nexus, encompassing tech learning spaces, wood and metal shops, a laser and 3D print room, and inviting lounge areas. It centralizes STEM learning, showcasing student achievements to the public. The program organization maximizes connections between interior and exterior, promoting shared use of technical spaces and encouraging interdisciplinary interactions.

An informal study space in a corridor overlooking the atrium. © Joshua Simpson
A view of the IEC alongside the historic Estherwood mansion from the quad side entry. © Ashok Sinha
The building’s design aligns with the siting of the other historic structures on campus, and its materiality is a contemporary engagement with the natural and manmade architectural fabric of the campus’s past.
Masters Site Plan. © Marvel

Strategically located equidistant from various sides of the campus, the IEC boasts two equally appealing front entrances– from the middle school and the quad.

A view of the IEC from the middle school entry. © Joshua Simpson
A closer look of the quad side entry. © Ashok Sinha
Large windows reveal the building's identity as a hub for stem based learning.
A spacious work patio with direct connections between interior and exterior wrap the building to extend the instructional spaces to the exterior.
2029 Masters IEC N20 medium 2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N76 medium cropped
The heart of the IEC is the central 3-story atrium - the "Innovation Lounge" - meant to facilitate community gatherings and discussions.
2029 Masters IEC N39 medium

"Using the School's renowned teaching method as a spatial planning strategy, we designated the atrium as the "Harkness" space within the building. All program spaces are strategically organized around this central area, serving as the hub for various activities, from large events to informal student study and interactions."

Jennifer Olson, Director at Marvel
The lobby space that welcomes students from the quad side entry. © Joshua Simpson
At the Masters IEC, corridors and informal lounge spaces filled with natural light create a healthy and dynamic setting to study, reflect and debate outside the technical workshop, maker space and robotics classrooms.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
Exposed concrete walls and stairs washed with abundant natural light present the egress stairwell as a circulation space to promote health and wellness.
Classrooms and study spaces overlook the centrally located triple-height atrium space and provide additional locations to observe the lounge activities.
© Joshua Simpson
Abundant natural light fills the IEC and highlights the dynamic material textures used throughout the space.

A cutting-edge STEM-focused educational facility that blends contemporary elements with historic campus language.

The building is organized along the same principle as the “Harkness Method” of collaborative nonhierarchical instruction. The IEC serves as a social nexus, encompassing tech learning spaces, wood and metal shops, a laser and 3D print room, and inviting lounge areas. It centralizes STEM learning, showcasing student achievements to the public.

2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N31 medium
The program organization maximizes connections between interior and exterior, promoting shared use of technical spaces and encouraging interdisciplinary interactions.
2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N75 medium
The building’s design aligns with the siting of the other historic structures on campus, and its materiality is a contemporary engagement with the natural and manmade architectural fabric of the campus’s past.
2029 Masters IEC N12 medium

Strategically located equidistant from various sides of the campus, the IEC boasts two equally appealing front entrances– from the middle school and the quad.

2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N35 medium
Large windows reveal the building's identity as a hub for stem based learning.
2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N78 medium
A spacious work patio with direct connections between interior and exterior wrap the building to extend the instructional spaces to the exterior.
2029 Masters IEC N20 medium 2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N76 medium cropped
The heart of the IEC is the central 3-story atrium - the "Innovation Lounge" - meant to facilitate community gatherings and discussions.
2029 Masters IEC N39 medium

"Using the School's renowned teaching method as a spatial planning strategy, we designated the atrium as the "Harkness" space within the building. All program spaces are strategically organized around this central area, serving as the hub for various activities, from large events to informal student study and interactions."

Jennifer Olson, Director at Marvel
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N32 medium
At the Masters IEC, corridors and informal lounge spaces filled with natural light create a healthy and dynamic setting to study, reflect and debate outside the technical workshop, maker space and robotics classrooms.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N25 medium
Exposed concrete walls and stairs washed with abundant natural light present the egress stairwell as a circulation space to promote health and wellness.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N28 medium
Classrooms and study spaces overlook the centrally located triple-height atrium space and provide additional locations to observe the lounge activities.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N26 medium
Abundant natural light fills the IEC and highlights the dynamic material textures used throughout the space.

Masters Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

A cutting-edge STEM-focused educational facility that blends contemporary elements with historic campus language.

The building is organized along the same principle as the “Harkness Method” of collaborative nonhierarchical instruction. The IEC serves as a social nexus, encompassing tech learning spaces, wood and metal shops, a laser and 3D print room, and inviting lounge areas. It centralizes STEM learning, showcasing student achievements to the public. The program organization maximizes connections between interior and exterior, promoting shared use of technical spaces and encouraging interdisciplinary interactions.

An informal study space in a corridor overlooking the atrium. © Joshua Simpson
A view of the IEC alongside the historic Estherwood mansion from the quad side entry. © Ashok Sinha
The building’s design aligns with the siting of the other historic structures on campus, and its materiality is a contemporary engagement with the natural and manmade architectural fabric of the campus’s past.
Masters Site Plan. © Marvel

Strategically located equidistant from various sides of the campus, the IEC boasts two equally appealing front entrances– from the middle school and the quad.

A view of the IEC from the middle school entry. © Joshua Simpson
A closer look of the quad side entry. © Ashok Sinha
Large windows reveal the building's identity as a hub for stem based learning.
A spacious work patio with direct connections between interior and exterior wrap the building to extend the instructional spaces to the exterior.
2029 Masters IEC N20 medium 2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N76 medium cropped
The heart of the IEC is the central 3-story atrium - the "Innovation Lounge" - meant to facilitate community gatherings and discussions.
2029 Masters IEC N39 medium

"Using the School's renowned teaching method as a spatial planning strategy, we designated the atrium as the "Harkness" space within the building. All program spaces are strategically organized around this central area, serving as the hub for various activities, from large events to informal student study and interactions."

Jennifer Olson, Director at Marvel
The lobby space that welcomes students from the quad side entry. © Joshua Simpson
At the Masters IEC, corridors and informal lounge spaces filled with natural light create a healthy and dynamic setting to study, reflect and debate outside the technical workshop, maker space and robotics classrooms.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
Exposed concrete walls and stairs washed with abundant natural light present the egress stairwell as a circulation space to promote health and wellness.
Classrooms and study spaces overlook the centrally located triple-height atrium space and provide additional locations to observe the lounge activities.
© Joshua Simpson
Abundant natural light fills the IEC and highlights the dynamic material textures used throughout the space.

A cutting-edge STEM-focused educational facility that blends contemporary elements with historic campus language.

The building is organized along the same principle as the “Harkness Method” of collaborative nonhierarchical instruction. The IEC serves as a social nexus, encompassing tech learning spaces, wood and metal shops, a laser and 3D print room, and inviting lounge areas. It centralizes STEM learning, showcasing student achievements to the public.

2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N31 medium
The program organization maximizes connections between interior and exterior, promoting shared use of technical spaces and encouraging interdisciplinary interactions.
2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N75 medium
The building’s design aligns with the siting of the other historic structures on campus, and its materiality is a contemporary engagement with the natural and manmade architectural fabric of the campus’s past.
2029 Masters IEC N12 medium

Strategically located equidistant from various sides of the campus, the IEC boasts two equally appealing front entrances– from the middle school and the quad.

2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N35 medium
Large windows reveal the building's identity as a hub for stem based learning.
2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N78 medium
A spacious work patio with direct connections between interior and exterior wrap the building to extend the instructional spaces to the exterior.
2029 Masters IEC N20 medium 2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N76 medium cropped
The heart of the IEC is the central 3-story atrium - the "Innovation Lounge" - meant to facilitate community gatherings and discussions.
2029 Masters IEC N39 medium

"Using the School's renowned teaching method as a spatial planning strategy, we designated the atrium as the "Harkness" space within the building. All program spaces are strategically organized around this central area, serving as the hub for various activities, from large events to informal student study and interactions."

Jennifer Olson, Director at Marvel
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N32 medium
At the Masters IEC, corridors and informal lounge spaces filled with natural light create a healthy and dynamic setting to study, reflect and debate outside the technical workshop, maker space and robotics classrooms.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N25 medium
Exposed concrete walls and stairs washed with abundant natural light present the egress stairwell as a circulation space to promote health and wellness.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N28 medium
Classrooms and study spaces overlook the centrally located triple-height atrium space and provide additional locations to observe the lounge activities.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N26 medium
Abundant natural light fills the IEC and highlights the dynamic material textures used throughout the space.

Masters Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

A cutting-edge STEM-focused educational facility that blends contemporary elements with historic campus language.

The building is organized along the same principle as the “Harkness Method” of collaborative nonhierarchical instruction. The IEC serves as a social nexus, encompassing tech learning spaces, wood and metal shops, a laser and 3D print room, and inviting lounge areas. It centralizes STEM learning, showcasing student achievements to the public. The program organization maximizes connections between interior and exterior, promoting shared use of technical spaces and encouraging interdisciplinary interactions.

An informal study space in a corridor overlooking the atrium. © Joshua Simpson
A view of the IEC alongside the historic Estherwood mansion from the quad side entry. © Ashok Sinha
The building’s design aligns with the siting of the other historic structures on campus, and its materiality is a contemporary engagement with the natural and manmade architectural fabric of the campus’s past.
Masters Site Plan. © Marvel

Strategically located equidistant from various sides of the campus, the IEC boasts two equally appealing front entrances– from the middle school and the quad.

A view of the IEC from the middle school entry. © Joshua Simpson
A closer look of the quad side entry. © Ashok Sinha
Large windows reveal the building's identity as a hub for stem based learning.
A spacious work patio with direct connections between interior and exterior wrap the building to extend the instructional spaces to the exterior.
2029 Masters IEC N20 medium 2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N76 medium cropped
The heart of the IEC is the central 3-story atrium - the "Innovation Lounge" - meant to facilitate community gatherings and discussions.
2029 Masters IEC N39 medium

"Using the School's renowned teaching method as a spatial planning strategy, we designated the atrium as the "Harkness" space within the building. All program spaces are strategically organized around this central area, serving as the hub for various activities, from large events to informal student study and interactions."

Jennifer Olson, Director at Marvel
The lobby space that welcomes students from the quad side entry. © Joshua Simpson
At the Masters IEC, corridors and informal lounge spaces filled with natural light create a healthy and dynamic setting to study, reflect and debate outside the technical workshop, maker space and robotics classrooms.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
Exposed concrete walls and stairs washed with abundant natural light present the egress stairwell as a circulation space to promote health and wellness.
Classrooms and study spaces overlook the centrally located triple-height atrium space and provide additional locations to observe the lounge activities.
© Joshua Simpson
Abundant natural light fills the IEC and highlights the dynamic material textures used throughout the space.

A cutting-edge STEM-focused educational facility that blends contemporary elements with historic campus language.

The building is organized along the same principle as the “Harkness Method” of collaborative nonhierarchical instruction. The IEC serves as a social nexus, encompassing tech learning spaces, wood and metal shops, a laser and 3D print room, and inviting lounge areas. It centralizes STEM learning, showcasing student achievements to the public.

2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N31 medium
The program organization maximizes connections between interior and exterior, promoting shared use of technical spaces and encouraging interdisciplinary interactions.
2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N75 medium
The building’s design aligns with the siting of the other historic structures on campus, and its materiality is a contemporary engagement with the natural and manmade architectural fabric of the campus’s past.
2029 Masters IEC N12 medium

Strategically located equidistant from various sides of the campus, the IEC boasts two equally appealing front entrances– from the middle school and the quad.

2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N35 medium
Large windows reveal the building's identity as a hub for stem based learning.
2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N78 medium
A spacious work patio with direct connections between interior and exterior wrap the building to extend the instructional spaces to the exterior.
2029 Masters IEC N20 medium 2029 Masters IEC Ashok Sinha N76 medium cropped
The heart of the IEC is the central 3-story atrium - the "Innovation Lounge" - meant to facilitate community gatherings and discussions.
2029 Masters IEC N39 medium

"Using the School's renowned teaching method as a spatial planning strategy, we designated the atrium as the "Harkness" space within the building. All program spaces are strategically organized around this central area, serving as the hub for various activities, from large events to informal student study and interactions."

Jennifer Olson, Director at Marvel
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N32 medium
At the Masters IEC, corridors and informal lounge spaces filled with natural light create a healthy and dynamic setting to study, reflect and debate outside the technical workshop, maker space and robotics classrooms.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N25 medium
Exposed concrete walls and stairs washed with abundant natural light present the egress stairwell as a circulation space to promote health and wellness.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N28 medium
Classrooms and study spaces overlook the centrally located triple-height atrium space and provide additional locations to observe the lounge activities.
2029 Masters IEC Joshua Simpson N26 medium
Abundant natural light fills the IEC and highlights the dynamic material textures used throughout the space.

Location

Dobbs Ferry, NY

Client

The Masters School

Typology

Size

21,050 SF

Design Team

Lissa So, Jennifer Olson, Magnus Westergren, Caroline Frantz, Ana Cubillos, Chit Yee Ng

Awards

AIA WHV Design Award, AIA Puerto Rico Award: Honorable Mention, American Architecture Award: Honorable Mention

Consultants

MFS Engineers & Surveyors, DPC (Geotechnical / Civil Engineer), Silman (Structural Engineer), Polise Consulting Engineers (Building Systems Engineer), VDA (Vertical Transportation), Cosentini Associates (AV / IT / Security Consultant), LSTN Consultants (Acoustics Consultant), MW-Skins (Envelope Consultant), Dot Dash (Lighting Designer), Code Consultants Inc. (Code and Accessibility Consultant), Constructions Specifications Inc. (Architectural Specifications)