Gelephu Mindfulness City : Architect Ingels Shares Vision for a City Designed with Local Materials and Traditional Craftsmanship

Buildings will showcase wood and stone carvings, celebrating Bhutanese artistry while blending modern techniques.

Gelephu, Bhutan which is one of the entry points from India close to Assam, is set to become home to one of the world’s most sustainable cities, as renowned architect and also the founder of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG),  Bjarke Ingels revealed that the city will be built using carbon-negative materials.

Speaking exclusively with Northeast Live’s Associate Editor Oineetom Ojah, in Paro , Bjarke Ingels, outlined how the city’s design will embrace local resources while keeping in mind Bhutan’s cultural heritage.

The materials chosen for Gelephu Mindfulness City will be central to its sustainability. Ingels explained that river rocks, bamboo, and biowaste-derived biochar will be the primary building materials, all of which are abundant in the region. “We are aiming to utilize materials that are not only carbon-negative but also in harmony with the natural environment, Ingels stated. The use of biochar, a carbon-rich product derived from agricultural waste, will serve as both a construction material and a way to store carbon, reducing the city’s carbon footprint”.

The city’s design will be inspired by the unique Bhutanese landscape. Set at the base of the Himalayas, the city will be shaped by 34 rivers that traverse the area, creating ecological corridors for wildlife such as elephants and tigers. Neighbourhoods will be designed in a cascading layout, resembling the flow of the rivers and the terraced fields common in Bhutan.

“We envision bridges connecting these neighbourhoods, not just as transportation links but as cultural destinations in themselves. You’ll find markets, healthcare centers, and even a university on these bridges”, Ingels added. This approach ensures that the city’s infrastructure also serves as a cultural and social hub.

Incorporating traditional craftsmanship is another key feature of the project. Buildings will showcase wood and stone carvings, celebrating Bhutanese artistry while blending modern techniques. A timber-built airport with intricately carved facades and a Vajrayana Buddhism museum with temple-like stone architecture will reflect this fusion of old and new.

Beyond its materials and design, the Gelephu Mindfulness City will be powered entirely by renewable energy, utilizing solar and hydropower. The city will also incorporate bio-swales to manage rainwater, which will double as parks and creeks depending on the season.

With a focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting local culture, Gelephu Mindfulness City is poised to be a global model for sustainable urban development. “We’re creating a city that is built to last, designed to be loved, and rooted in Bhutan’s natural beauty and craftsmanship”, he added.

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