Bhutan's Gelephu Airport Project Honored as 'Project of the Year' at the 2025 World Architecture Festival

The winners of the 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF) have been officially announced following the event held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in the USA. Securing the prestigious title of "Project of the Year" was the ambitious Gelephu International Airport Project, situated in the Kingdom of Bhutan. This landmark aviation hub was conceived by the Danish architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in collaboration with aviation engineers from NACO.

The new airport terminal is an integral component of the broader "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC) master plan. This visionary initiative is designed to serve as a crucial center for both economic vitality and sustainable development within the scenic foothills of the Himalayas. The project underscores Bhutan's commitment to balancing modernization with its unique cultural and ecological values.

Spanning an impressive 68,000 square meters, the facility is poised to become only the second operational airport in the nation. Strategically located in the Sarpang district, the air gateway is positioned near Bhutan’s border with India and adjacent to the Paitha River. This location is key to facilitating regional connectivity and supporting the goals of the GMC.

The exterior design of the terminal is deeply rooted in local architectural traditions. The facades, which from a distance evoke the appearance of rugged mountain ridges, are constructed using a modular diagonal lattice of glued laminated timber. This structure is further enhanced by traditional carvings meticulously executed by local artisans, drawing direct inspiration from Bhutanese architecture, particularly the decorative wooden elements known as Kachen columns.

The project’s unique spatial configuration was developed not only for functional efficiency but also to craft an unparalleled travel experience for passengers. The design transforms the journey through the airport into an immersive adventure, steeped in the atmosphere of traditional Bhutanese culture. Every element is intended to reflect the nation’s rich heritage.

Inside the airport, traditional Bhutanese techniques will be prominently featured throughout the interior spaces, including intricate wood carving, detailed painting, and expert weaving. Adding profound symbolic depth, imagery depicting three distinct types of dragons will be incorporated, representing the country's past, present, and future, offering a powerful visual narrative to travelers.

A central feature of the design is the interior courtyard, aptly named the "Forest Spine." This lush, verdant space acts as a natural divider between the domestic and international terminals. The entire volume of the structure is designed to be saturated with natural light and abundant vegetation. Furthermore, the arrival zone is thoughtfully segmented into four distinct areas, each dedicated to showcasing specific local plant species. Reflecting the city's overarching philosophy of "mindfulness," the airport also incorporates dedicated zones for practicing yoga and gong meditations, complete with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.

This ambitious and award-winning infrastructure project is currently on track for completion, with the airport scheduled to commence operations in 2029.