Global media outlet The Economist published an article on the potentials of the Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan, designed by BIG in collaboration with Arup and Cistri. Gelephu Mindfulness City positively stands out in three ways, according to the reporter: the country’s geopolitics and support from India; its possible draw for the artificial intelligence and crypto industries; and the hope that the plan will encourage the over 6% of Bhutan residents who have emigrated to return, while teaching other Bhutanese to compete at home with foreign talent. Mindfulness City aims to drive Bhutan’s future growth by creating economic opportunities for its citizens through investments in green technology, education, and infrastructure. The plan includes a new international airport, railway connections, a hydroelectric dam, public spaces, and a language for local building typologies rooted in the country’s vernacular architecture.
