In a bold and visionary move, the Kingdom of Bhutan recently announced plans to develop a city devoted to mindfulness. This groundbreaking project, spearheaded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, aims to create a metropolis called Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR) that transcends conventional urban development paradigms by prioritizing mindfulness, sustainability, and holistic wellbeing.
Spanning an expansive area south of the kingdom, Gelephu Mindfulness City is set to become a global example of environmentally conscious and spiritually enriching urban living. Funded by investments in green energy, physical and digital connectivity, infrastructure, and education, the city will be meticulously designed to reflect Bhutanese values and the country’s renowned “Gross National Happiness” philosophy.
It will feature a series of “inhabitable bridges,” each tailored to the nine “Gross National Happiness” domains: Psychological Wellbeing, Health, Education, Time Use, Cultural Diversity, Good Governance, Community Vitality, Ecological Diversity and Resilience, and Living Standards. Each of the bridges will contain essential facilities, including a newly constructed airport, a Vajrayana spiritual center providing insight into the daily rituals of monks and mindfulness masters, a healthcare center bridging Eastern and Western medical practices, an educational institution, a hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouse showcasing traditional farming methods alongside modern agricultural science for commuters, a cultural center aimed at enlightening visitors about Bhutanese heritage and traditions, and a market offering Bhutanese textiles.
At the heart of this visionary project lies the Harmony Bridge, an architectural marvel crafted by the world-renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). This bridge, stretching over the Sankosh River, symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation that defines Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“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. Like the traditional Dzongs, these inhabitable bridges turn into cultural landmarks, doubling as transportation infrastructure combined with civic facilities. Among these, the Sankosh Temple-Dam embeds the city’s fundamental values into a cascading landscape of steps and landings, that like a 21st-century Tigers Nest will be a manmade monument to the divine possibility of a sustainable human presence on earth. Turning engineering into art and turning the forces of nature into power.”
Furthermore, the city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its innovative infrastructure, including hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouses and a hydroelectric dam seamlessly integrated into the landscape. These initiatives not only promote ecological balance but also serve as educational landmarks for visitors and residents alike. Gelephu Mindfulness City is not merely a development project; it is a holistic vision for the future of urban living. By blending Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge design and technology, the city aims to foster a sense of community, connection, and wellbeing among its inhabitants.
“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,” says Giulia Frittoli, partner in charge, BIG Landscape, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group. “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.”
As Bhutan positions itself as a new economic hub for South Asia, Gelephu Mindfulness City is meant to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for sustainable urban development worldwide. With its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is leading the way towards a brighter, more mindful future for all. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new international airport took place in late December. It marks the first milestone in Gelephu’s development.
