AssetID: 53318901
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Bhutan To Build Ecological 'Mindfulness City'
Caption: During his 116th National Day address to a 30,000-strong audience, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck unveiled plans for a new ‘Mindfulness City’ in his kingdom. Bhutan is the world’s first carbon negative country, and aims to build on that eco-friendly achievement by creating a blissful green city of the future. Situated in Gelephu in Southern Bhutan, the 'Mindfulness City' designed by BIG, Arup, and Cistri aligns with Bhutanese culture, Gross National Happiness index principles, and spiritual heritage. The Gelephu Special Administration Region, near the India-Bhutan border, aims to spur growth, leveraging its strategic location. Designed by BIG's Landscape and Urban Design Team, the masterplan incorporates an international airport, railway connections, hydroelectric dam, public spaces, and local building typologies based on the Gross National Happiness domains. “The Gelephu Masterplan gives form to His Majesty’s vision to create a city that becomes a cradle for growth and innovation while remaining founded on Bhutanese nature and culture,” says Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group. “We imagine the Mindfulness City as a place that could be nowhere else. Where nature is enhanced, agriculture is integrated, and tradition is living and breathing, not only preserved but also evolved. Shaped by waterways, Gelephu becomes a land of bridges, connecting nature and people, past and future, local and global.” Nestled amid mountains, forests, and rivers, Bhutan boasts 70% forest coverage, making it one of Earth’s last biodiversity hotspot. Mindfulness City, inspired by interconnected ecosystems and Bhutan's cultural heritage, features ribbon-like neighbourhoods resembling paddy fields. The city's density increases from rural highlands to urban lowlands. With the Gelephu Masterplan, the King is looking to create a city combining growth and innovation with Bhutanese nature and culture. The city, shaped by waterways, becomes a blend of nature and tradition. Cultural landmarks, resembling inhabitable bridges, connect nature and people, embodying Bhutanese values. The 1000+ km2 area naturally divides into eleven neighbourhoods based on the Mandala's principles. To mitigate flooding, paddy fields are introduced along rivers, acting as biodiversity corridors. The city's mobility connections act as 'inhabitable bridges’ that tie together neighbourhoods, housing key destinations such as the airport, spiritual centre, healthcare, university, greenhouse, cultural centre, and market. The hydroelectric dam on the city's western border serves as a viewpoint, meditation walk, and temple. The Sankosh Temple-Dam epitomises the harmonious coexistence of culture and nature, representing Bhutan's rich heritage and future legacy. Resilient streets allow stormwater seepage, while local materials like wood, stone, and bamboo, inspired by vernacular motifs, will be used in building construction. The Mindfulness City project promotes sustainability and exemplifies the inseparable bond between humanity and nature. Giulia Frittoli, Partner in Charge, BIG Landscape, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, adds: “Inspired by the Bhutanese culture of respect and compassion for others and nature, the Mindfulness City is designed to enhance ecological systems, through an urban development that connects flora and fauna, as well as people and ideas. It becomes a testament of humanity's inseparable bond with nature, and a global example of how to build a sustainable human presence on Earth.”
Keywords: Bjarke Ingels Group,bhutan,architecture,design,ecological,nature,climate change,environment,photo,video,feature
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