Floating Above the Himalayas: Bhutan's Carbon-Negative Airport
- journalistic piece by Niels Kruse
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Arrivals at this airport offer a high-end hotel-like experience for passengers. - Upon arrival at this airport, you're greeted with a lavish resort-like atmosphere.
The enigmatic question surrounding Bhutan's potential refuge on the US 'Red List' echoes through the quiet valleys of this Himalayan haven. A recent leak from government insiders, splashed across the "New York Times," lists this Joy-infused nation alongside questionable geopolitical players like Yemen, North Korea, and Iran.
Beyond the Stigma: Unraveling Bhutan's Mystery
The "Red List" remains a mere draft, yet to be implemented, and much speculation surrounds Bhutan's possible inclusion. Local Bhutanese press chronicles potential connections to an outdated immigration fraud or the minuscule group of Bhutanese seeking sanctuary in the US - approximately 20 individuals per year.
In contrast, Bhutan is often admired as a tranquil sanctuary, one of the few nations that emits less carbon than it absorbs. Half of its landmass lies under the tender care of conservation, and its people enjoy some of the world's longest lifespans.
The First Sustainable Metropolis Takes Root
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bhutan's government endeavors to nurture more than just its citizens' health. The concept of "Gross National Happiness" anchors its mission, with a dedicated commission overseeing its execution. Now, Bhutan plans to cultivate an entire 'Mindfulness City' — complete with an airport that embraces "Gross National Happiness" ethos.
Although the Mindfulness City project's paperwork only recently hit the drafting table, plans for its centerpiece — the new international airport — have been drawn in delicate detail. Architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), hailing from Copenhagen, has been tasked with the project's design at the royal behest of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The airport's future home will be Gelephu, in southern Bhutan, nestled near the Indian border.
A Balance Between Tradition and Innovation
"The design presents solid wooden frames, crafted using traditional techniques, evoking visions of emergent mountain ranges," BIG's statement reads. The stunning paradox between ancient craftsmanship and cutting-edge design is intended to capture the essence of Bhutan's history while pushing the boundaries of modernity. Furthermore, the airport will strive to achieve carbon negativity, absorbing more CO2 than it discharges.
A New Beacon of Sustainability and Well-being
While the airport is still anticipated, its design encompasses spaces meant for mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga, reflecting Bhutan's persistent emphasis on spiritual well-being. This ambitious project seeks to serve as an inspiring model for sustainable airport design, underscoring the unique blend of economic growth and ecological balance that defines Bhutan's approach to development.
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com, https://www.big.dk, https://edition.cnn.com, The Bhutanese
More Photos from This Series
- Bhutan
- Happiness
- Airport
💡 Behind the Scenes: The new international airport in Gelephu aims to set a new standard for sustainable airport design by incorporating sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and advanced ventilation systems. By adhering to Bhutan's "Gross National Happiness" principles, the Mindfulness City initiative emphasizes both economic development and environmental conservation. The airport's inclusion of mindfulness spaces reinforces Bhutan's commitment to spiritual well-being. This carbon-negative airport project is a testament to Bhutan's dedication to sustainability and could pave the way for future eco-conscious urban developments worldwide.
- The new international airport in Gelephu, Bhutan, is designed by Bjarke Ingels Group to create a balance between tradition and innovation, with stylized wooden frames reminiscent of mountain ranges.
- Despite speculations surrounding Bhutan's potential inclusion in the US 'Red List', the nation continues to strive for sustainability, causing a stir in the global landscape with plans for a carbon-negative airport.
- Lists of controversial geopolitical players do not dampen Bhutan's reputation as a tranquil sanctuary and a carbon-negative nation; instead, the plans for a mindfulness-focused airport in Gelephu further solidify Bhutan's dedication to holistic well-being and sustainable development.
