The renovation to Whistler Telus Conference Centre designed by Lutz Associates Architects brought the outdated Whistler Conference Centre up to modern standards, while adding to the capacity and function of the building. A study of environmental issues of sustainability and energy consumption was undertaken to concurrently upgrade the building to a better environmental standard.
The facility was originally designed as a hockey arena and, although was functioning as a conference centre, it retained the feel of a sports arena concept. Lutz Associates Architects led the programming sessions for the renovated facility and developed a design that results in a better use of the existing building as a conference facility, significantly expanding the usable area within the building's shell and increasing the flexibility of the spaces to meet the needs of conference clientèle. Additions were incorporated to increase the capacity of the large meeting room and to expand and give flexibility to the pre-function space at the primary entry. The design creates a landmark image for the building that will better reflect the importance of the conference centre in the Resort Municipality of Whistler.