Gelephu International Airport, Bhutan

Gelephu International Airport, Bhutan 🔥🔥🔥 As a vital component of our master plan for building the Mindfulness City, Gelephu International Airport is not merely an international gateway but also a carrier of Bhutanese culture's inheritance and innovation in the process of modernization. 📍The airport is situated on the border between Bhutan and India, adjacent to the Paitha River, surrounded by subtropical forests, mountains, and rivers. The project is jointly planned by BIG, Arup, and Cistri, and designed in collaboration with aviation engineering firm NACO. Covering a total area of 68,000 square meters, the airport is expected to handle 123 flights per day, with passenger throughput reaching 1.3 million by 2040 and increasing to 5.5 million by 2065 to meet future growth demands. 📍The building adopts a modular diagonal grid structure, with glulam timber as the main material, combined with local traditional carved decorations to continue Bhutan's architectural culture. The facade draws inspiration from Bhutan's traditional Kachen wooden pillars, featuring carvings of three dragons symbolizing Bhutan's past, present, and future, presenting an architectural expression that blends tradition and modernity. The spatial design revolves around the "Forest Spine"—a landscape courtyard that naturally divides the terminal into the domestic flight area on the west and the international flight area on the east. The welcome plaza blends naturally with the terrain, allowing passengers to walk through forest trails, stroll along treetop walkways, interact with native animals, and enjoy close contact with nature even inside the airport. The building employs sustainable strategies such as PV roofs, natural ventilation, and humidity regulation, aligning with Bhutan's environmental commitment as a carbon-negative country, while reserving flexibility for future expansion. ❤️❤️❤️ 📍In 2025, the facade design of Gelephu International Airport will be exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale under the theme "Ancient Futures," with the work titled "Wooden Diamond." This installation is co-carved by Bhutanese artists and machines—half handcrafted and half precisely carved by machines—exploring the integration of traditional craftsmanship and digital technology, and showcasing the contemporary value of Bhutan's woodcarving heritage. 📍Scheduled to open in 2029, the airport serves as Bhutan's gateway to the world. It is not only the aviation hub of the Mindfulness City (GMC) but also a space where culture, nature, and modern technology coexist harmoniously. #BhutanInternationalAirport #MindfulnessCity #ArchitecturalInnovation #CulturalHeritage #SustainableDesign #FutureAirport #Bhutan #ModernArchitecture #GelephuInternationalAirport #VeniceArchitectureBiennale #WoodenStructure #Airport #ArchitecturalDesign