In a landmark announcement during the 116th National Day celebrations, His Majesty The King revealed an exciting vision for Bhutan's future—an economic powerhouse nestled in Gelephu. Speaking to a crowd of 30,000, the monarch introduced an ambitious plan, setting the stage for the Gelephu Special Administration Region, a groundbreaking initiative destined to be the linchpin of Bhutan's progress.
Dubbed 'Mindfulness City,' this revolutionary concept, co-crafted by BIG, Arup, and Cistri, stands as a testament to Bhutanese culture, Gross National Happiness (GNH) principles, and the nation's spiritual heritage. Spanning over 1000 square kilometers on the India-Bhutan border, this visionary metropolis aims to reshape Bhutan's future by leveraging connectivity with South- and Southeast Asia.
The masterplan, brought to life by BIG's Landscape and Urban Design Team, is a comprehensive tapestry of sustainable development. It includes a new international airport, railway connections, a hydroelectric dam, public spaces, and a distinct architectural language inspired by the nine domains of GNH. These domains, ranging from Psychological Wellbeing to Cultural Diversity and Resilience, lay the foundation for a city that transcends convention—a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Nestled amidst Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes—mountains, forests, and rivers—the Mindfulness City envisions a vibrant ecosystem. Capitalizing on the country's rich biodiversity, the city's design mirrors the flow of 35 rivers and streams, creating ribbonlike neighborhoods resembling paddy fields. From rural highlands to urban lowlands, the city seamlessly transitions, embodying a unique synergy between nature and urbanity.
Renowned architect Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG, envisions Gelephu as a cradle for growth and innovation rooted in Bhutanese nature and culture. He describes the city as a place where tradition evolves, nature thrives, and agriculture integrates seamlessly. In this vision, Gelephu transforms into a land of bridges, connecting not only nature and people but also the past and the future. The Sankosh Temple-Dam, a monumental centerpiece, encapsulates the city's values—a testament to sustainable living, blending engineering with art.
Gelephu's natural elements and existing infrastructure organically give rise to eleven distinct neighborhoods, each designed on the principles of the Mandala. Symmetrically organized around central public spaces, these neighborhoods reflect a gradual transition in density, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
To safeguard against flooding during the monsoon season, paddy fields will be established along the city's rivers, doubling as biodiversity corridors. Inspired by Bhutanese values of respect and compassion, the Mindfulness City becomes a global example of ecological urban development, connecting people, flora, and fauna.
The city's neighborhoods, separated by rivers, are linked by three main mobility connections—'inhabitable bridges' that serve dual purposes as transportation infrastructure and cultural landmarks. Each bridge houses key destinations, from the airport to a Vajrayana spiritual center, a healthcare facility, a university, a greenhouse showcasing ancient farming practices, a cultural center, and a market adorned with Bhutanese textiles.
The culmination of this visionary plan is a hydroelectric dam on the city's western border, epitomizing the harmonious coexistence of culture and nature. These 'inhabitable bridges' and the city's intimate streets, paved with permeable pavers, showcase a commitment to resilience and sustainability.
Bjarke Ingels, a luminary in the architectural world, underscores the role of architecture in translating societal structures into physical form. His innovative designs, from the Mountain Dwelling in Copenhagen to a zero-emission resort in Azerbaijan, reflect a commitment to addressing global concerns like climate change. Named the 2011 Innovator of the Year by the Wall Street Journal and one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2016, Ingels sees architecture as a means to shape a future that benefits from the growing awareness of environmental challenges.
Invest and set up FDI in Bhutan with the help of FDI Bhutan and Basnet Attorneys and Law