PREVIEW

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. Designed by BIG's Landscape and Urban Design Team, the masterplan incorporates an international airport, railway connections, hydroelectric dam, and public spaces. “Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, says: “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. Its centrepiece is the Sankosh Temple hydroelectric dam on the city's western border, which serves as a viewpoint, meditation walk, and temple. It epitomises the harmonious coexistence of culture and nature, representing Bhutan's rich heritage and future legacy.