𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

…𝑩𝒋𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝑼𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒊𝒍𝒔 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑼𝒓𝒃𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏

By Yeshey Lhadon

Bjarke Ingels unveiled an ambitious vision for a new city that harmoniously integrates sustainable design with Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. This visionary project, aptly named “Gelephu Mindfulness City,” seeks to create a vibrant urban environment that resonates with Bhutan’s unique identity while promoting economic growth and environmental preservation.

Ingels began his discussion with a fascinating comparison between Bhutan and Denmark, both countries that, despite their stark contrasts, share a commitment to renewable energy and sustainable living. “I am incredibly excited to be back here in Bhutan,” he remarked, acknowledging the profound differences between his home country, known for its flat landscapes, and Bhutan’s breathtaking mountains. However, he highlighted surprising similarities in their approaches to happiness and sustainability. “While Denmark has its man-made mountains for waste-to-energy conversion, Bhutan’s natural peaks offer incredible opportunities for innovative architectural integration,” he noted.

The architect emphasized Bhutan’s status as one of the most environmentally friendly countries globally, sequestering nearly twice as much carbon as it emits. “Bhutan is not just a land of stunning landscapes; it embodies a sustainable way of life that is both aspirational and achievable,” Ingels stated. Yet, he acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the concerning trend of young talent leaving the country in search of better opportunities. The Mindfulness City initiative aims to address this issue by creating a special administrative region designed to foster job creation while respecting local traditions and the natural environment.

Transitioning to the specifics of sustainable projects already underway, Ingels referenced the CO Main Harbor Bath, which seeks to harmonize urban living with nature by extending the city into water bodies. This eco-friendly project aims to enhance community interaction and environmental engagement. He also introduced plans for Bhutan’s first factory utilizing open-source technology powered by hydroelectric energy, maintaining its original footprint post-construction.

“Architecture in Bhutan should not just serve a functional purpose, it should also be an artistic expression,” he said, referring to future endeavours such as a bridge linking two sculpture parks. This project is poised to become a living museum, promoting artistic engagement while serving practical purposes.

Ingels expressed admiration for Bhutan’s commitment to creating a city that embodies mindfulness. He highlighted the nation’s efforts to sequester carbon and integrate urban design into the surrounding ecosystem, while acknowledging the challenges of melding administrative, legal, and financial frameworks to facilitate sustainable development. “The goal is to establish a special administrative region that attracts foreign investments while retaining local talent,” he elaborated.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲
At the core of Ingels’ vision lies the concept of Mindfulness City, designed to harmoniously blend local heritage and modern innovation. The city will be powered entirely by hydroelectricity and will encompass seven core economic clusters: wellness, nature, technology, finance, digital assets, aviation, and logistics. “This city will prioritize community and togetherness, making it attractive for both businesses and residents,” he asserted.

The proposed city will feature a large hydroelectric station to meet its energy needs, alongside an international airport designed as a gateway to connect Bhutan with four continents. The airport is projected to accommodate 1.3 million passengers during its initial phase and expand to serve 5.5 million in the second phase.

Ingels elaborated on the intricate infrastructure that will support the Mindfulness City, including extensive rail and road networks, alongside a mindfulness trail for hiking and pilgrimage. He stated, “Sixty percent of the city’s territory will be protected by the Constitution, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and cultural heritage.” This commitment to conservation is paramount, as Bhutan has enshrined in its Constitution the obligation to maintain a minimum of 60 percent forest cover.

𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Ingels outlined plans for architectural designs that incorporate traditional Bhutanese elements with modern technology, promoting both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. The city will feature a central promenade to connect various neighbourhoods, enhancing community interaction and cultural engagement. Public spaces, including parks and promenades, will be designed to foster social connectivity while ensuring accessibility for all citizens.

Integral to the Mindfulness City will be public spaces that celebrate Bhutanese culture, including a Vajrayana Buddhist centre envisioned as a contemporary reinterpretation of a stupa. This center is intended to serve as both a spiritual and educational destination, featuring a museum and various shrines that immerse visitors in the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism. “This will not only enhance cultural exchange but also serve as a reminder of our roots,” Ingels said, articulating his desire to create spaces that foster spiritual and community connection.

𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
As the presentation drew to a close, Ingels introduced the concept of a temple dam, designed to serve as a multifunctional piece of public infrastructure. “This dam will not only provide hydroelectric power but will also be a ceremonial destination, exemplifying the values of the Mindfulness City,” he explained. This dual-purpose infrastructure represents a unique blend of functionality and spirituality, encapsulating the essence of the city’s vision.

Reflecting on his journey through Bhutan, Ingels expressed deep respect for the nation’s traditions and a commitment to creating a sustainable urban environment that resonates with the ethos of Gross National Happiness. “It’s about balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and cultural heritage,” he stated, emphasizing that the future of Gelephu is not just about building a city, but creating a thriving community where people can flourish.

As Bhutan embarks on this transformative journey, the vision for Mindfulness City stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to harmonizing progress with environmental and cultural integrity. The project promises to create a unique blend of modernity and tradition, where the rhythms of nature are celebrated and integrated into everyday life. With Ingels’ leadership and innovative approach, Bhutan is poised to emerge as a model of sustainable urban development while remaining true to its cultural roots and commitment to happiness.

As the audience absorbed Ingels’ ambitious plans, the excitement in the room was palpable. Stakeholders, local leaders, and community members engaged in discussions about the implications of this groundbreaking initiative. Ingels urged collaboration among all sectors to ensure the successful implementation of the Mindfulness City vision. “We have a unique opportunity to create a city that reflects our values and aspirations. But it will require collective effort and dedication to realize this dream,” he emphasized, rallying support from all corners of Bhutan.

Gelephu Mindfulness City represents not just a vision for urban development, but a commitment to fostering a holistic approach to living that values sustainability, cultural integrity, and community engagement. As Bhutan steps into this new era of development, it carries the hopes of its people-ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of the planet or its rich heritage.