Bucksbaum Campus

RTM provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting design, and commissioning services for the approximately 110,000-square-foot Bucksbaum Campus of Aspen Music School.

Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Bucksbaum Campus of Aspen Music School is a perfect example of the harmonious integration of education and nature. Recognized as a top-tier institution for music education, the school welcomes over 700 of the world’s finest music students each summer. To enhance this unique learning experience, the school underwent a major campus refurbishment, blending it seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.

The campus now features two expansive orchestra rehearsal halls and a striking cantilevered pavilion perched at the edge of a pond, becoming the centerpiece of the space. The studios and practice rooms are integrated into the hillside, while efforts to restore disturbed areas and implement tree replacement strategies have created a cohesive community space.

Our lighting design team worked closely with the architect to highlight the campus’s architectural features, including exterior backlighting that creates a soft nighttime glow, reflected in the adjacent pond. This design adds to the tranquil and inspiring atmosphere of the campus. Additionally, the project aligns with LEED standards, further demonstrating RTM’s commitment to high-performance building design.

The result is a campus that beautifully merges with the landscape and connects seamlessly to the nearby Aspen Country Day School. This innovative design earned a Merit Award for Design from ASLA Colorado, recognizing the Bucksbaum Campus as a leader in integrated architecture.