A CITY BUILT ON BUDDHIST VALUES

The purpose of establishing GMC is to create a vibrant economic hub. It will be a city, encompassing conscious and sustainable businesses, inspired by Buddhist spiritual heritage, and distinguished by the uniqueness of the Bhutanese identity.” His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Bhutan follows Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index, a unique measure of societal well-being that goes beyond traditional economic indicators like GDP. Yet, it faces a demographic challenge of providing economic opportunities for the young generation. In response, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ambitious plan - the creation of Gelephu Mindfulness City is specifically designed to provide jobs, foster innovation and a sustainable, Bhutanese model of modern development. Unveiled in December 2023, it is set to cover an area comparable to Hong Kong and will be governed as a self-administered economic zone. The architectural master plan for Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan is designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in collaboration with Arup and Cistri.

Unlike Many Global “New City” Projects

The uniqueness of this city will not be the skyscrapers and luxury developments, but low density six story buildings that limit the use of carbon-intensive concrete and steel and harmonize with nature to preserve the area’s rivers, forests and wildlife. A unique feature of the city is its international airport constructed over a flowing river—designed so the water and fish below remain undisturbed. Beyond the airport, another major structure will be a hydroelectric dam incorporating a temple in its centre with stepped design, inspired by India’s ancient stepwells.

The city will consist of a network of towns linked by striking bridges that will also house temples and medical centres and its architecture draws inspiration from traditional Bhutanese structures, such as dzongs—fortified monasteries built in strategic locations. Moreover, to prevent flooding during monsoon, instead of building extensive concrete drainage systems, there will be skillfully placed agricultural buffer zones of paddy fields around rivers to absorb excess water. Permeable paving, green corridors, and extensive landscaping will further reduce the need for hard infrastructure, minimizing the city’s environmental footprint.

Gelephu Mindfulness City is expected to take around a decade to complete and once completed will represent an example of reconciling modern economic develop ment with spiritual values and environmental stewardship.