In a visionary stride towards blending tradition with modernity, Bhutan has announced the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), positioning it as a pivotal gateway between South Asia and the global community, as well as the world’s foremost center for Vajrayana Buddhism.
The ambitious project was unveiled yesterday at the Bhutan Innovation Forum by Bjarke Ingels, the renowned founding partner and creative director of the international architectural firm BIG. Ingels outlined GMC’s master plan, highlighting its role as a beacon of mindfulness, sustainability, and innovation.
GMC aims to create an urban environment that harmoniously integrates Bhutanese cultural heritage with cutting-edge design and technology. The city is envisioned to be a model of holistic urban development, emphasizing environmental stewardship and community well-being. Powered primarily by renewable hydropower, GMC will support seven key economic sectors: spirituality, health and wellness, education and knowledge, green energy and technology, finance, agritech and forestry, and airport-related industries.
A centerpiece of GMC’s infrastructure will be a state-of-the-art international airport designed to connect four continents, initially accommodating 1.3 million passengers in its first phase and expanding to 5.5 million in phase two. Additionally, a dry port will enhance rail connectivity, while a comprehensive mindfulness trail will weave through major cultural and spiritual landmarks, fostering a unique pilgrimage experience for residents and visitors alike.
“Bhutan’s commitment to preserving 60 percent of its forest cover, protected by constitutional mandates, is a testament to our dedication to the environment,” Ingels remarked during the unveiling. He emphasized Bhutan’s pristine landscapes, nourished by rivers that support both agriculture and renewable energy initiatives. The country’s nine national reserves, interconnected by biological corridors, ensure wildlife can migrate freely across regions, maintaining ecological balance.
Central to GMC’s philosophy is Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH), a holistic measure of prosperity rooted in Vajrayana Buddhist principles. The city’s design incorporates nine GNH measures, including respect for nature, job creation, mixed-income housing, accessible education, healthy lifestyles, spiritual growth, community strengthening, celebration of local traditions, and responsiveness to societal needs.
GMC will function as a special administrative region, attracting businesses and foreign investments while retaining local talent. The highlands will feature longevity centers, spiritual resorts, Vajrayana Buddhist hubs, and meditation schools. Lower elevations will host agritech and forestry hubs, while the urban core will showcase sustainable 6- to 8-story buildings constructed from locally sourced bamboo, timber, bricks, and river rocks.
Public spaces within GMC are designed to be interactive learning environments, fostering the exchange of knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual practices. “With GMC, Bhutan will become the Vajrayana capital of the world,” Ingels affirmed, envisioning a city where futuristic advancements coexist seamlessly with traditional values.
The project also includes an administrative and legal framework inspired by Singapore’s robust systems and financial structures modeled after the Abu Dhabi Global Market, ensuring a conducive environment for economic growth and governance.
Located at the heart of a region encompassing four billion people—the world’s half-population—Gelephu Mindfulness City is set to transform Bhutan into a strategic gateway between South Asia and the global stage. As the city takes shape, it promises to exemplify a sustainable, happy, and spiritually enriched urban landscape, inviting the world to witness Bhutan’s unique approach to modern living.
With its focus on mindfulness and sustainable development, GMC not only aims to elevate Bhutan’s status internationally but also to inspire cities worldwide to adopt more holistic and environmentally conscious practices.
