Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG, explained that the form of Bhutan’s Gelephu Airport evokes the silhouette of “a stylized mountain range when seen from afar.”
© BIG
Due to open in 2029, the airport is a core component of the masterplan for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), designed by BIG, Arup, and Cistri.
© BIG
Located near the Bhutan-India border, Bhutan’s second international airport has a diagrid modular structure constructed from glulam wood. Surrounded by the Himalayan range, the structure will be constructed using timber sourced locally and sustainably.
© BIG
The autonomous wood structures of the airport are designed for easy disassembly and expansion to support future growth. Spanning 68,000 square meters (731,946 sq ft), Gelephu International Airport will be able to accommodate 123 flights daily and is projected to serve 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040.
© BIG
Local artisans’ Bhutanese woodcarvings in traditional Bhutanese style will line the building, from outside in. The frontage is a take on the kachen, the Bhutanese wooden pillar.
“All of the mass timber members are carved and painted in traditional craftsmanship with three species of dragons symbolizing Bhutan‘s past, present, and future. The result is both traditional and innovative—ancient and futuristic,” said Bjarke Ingels.
© BIG
The Forest Spine, a courtyard within, divides the terminal into domestic and international areas. The airport uses natural light to its fullest potential with features like a triple-height entrance, big floor-to-ceiling windows, and skylights. Quiet indoor and outdoor lounges will have space for yoga, gong baths, and meditation.
With passive, climate-responsive design in mind, the wood building naturally takes in moisture to regulate humidity. Ventilated roofs and open courtyards enhance airflow, while rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels assist in sustainable power generation.
© BIG
“An airport is the first and last impression you get of a place you visit. For the Gelephu International Airport, we have attempted to capture the nature and culture of the nation and the Mindfulness City,” said Ingels.
BIG‘s design will be displayed at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, Ancient Future, in May and September.
© BIG
The airport expansion has been undertaken in partnership with aviation engineering consultant Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO). The partners include Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), Changi Airport Planners and Engineers, Influit, and WT Partnership. BIG has worked as design architect as well as a structural engineer, while Influit is responsible for MEP work.
