Danish architecture firm BIG has unveiled a master plan for a 1,000-square-kilometre city in Bhutan called Mindfulness City. Located in Gelephu, near the border with India, the project is a network of bridges in the form of waterways that connect nature, people and cultures. The bridges serve the dual function of cultural landmark and transport infrastructure, inspired by traditional dzongs. Influenced by 35 rivers and streams, the development provides inhabited bridges with cultural, educational and recreational functions.
The international airport at the foot of the valley will have a wooden terminal that functions as a bridge, while other bridges will house a university, medical centre, market and spiritual centre. Using local materials and Bhutanese architectural elements, the project aims to create sustainable, permeable roads and incorporate biodiversity corridors in the form of surrounding rice fields.
All images courtesy of BRICK VISUAL, ATCHAIN and BIG
