Whistler Gateway Loop

Taking cues from local basalt formations and the composite geometry of a ski, Public Architecture’s design for this transit shelter creates a first impression for visitors arriving in Whistler. The canopy uses a fractal arrangement of spruce-pine glulam beams and CLT panels, supported by a minimal steel structure with concealed HSK connections. To meet a two-month construction window between Labour Day and the first snowfall, the design prioritized off-site prefabrication. The resulting form avoids vertical screens to promote safety and seamless pedestrian flow, while integrated lighting creates “snowflakes” of warmth during winter twilight. Robust enough to manage heavy alpine snow loads without shedding at the perimeter, the shelter serves as both a high-performance transit hub and a versatile space for community markets.