Gelephu International Airport Wins WAF’s Highest Future Project Honor, Elevating Bhutan on the Global Architectural Stage

Gelephu, Bhutan — November 21, 2025 — Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is proud to announce that the design for the Gelephu International Airport, conceived by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, has been awarded the prestigious Future Project of the Year at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025.

First held in 2008, WAF is the world’s largest annual live-judged architecture event, bringing together leading architects, planners, academics, and international media. This year’s festival, held from November 12–14, 2025, showcased some of the most visionary and forward-thinking work in contemporary global design.

More than 780 submissions were received, with over 460 shortlisted and reviewed by an international jury of 164 experts from 37 countries.

The Future Project of the Year—WAF’s highest honor for unbuilt projects—celebrates architectural concepts that demonstrate outstanding innovation, cultural integrity, and transformative impact.

Gelephu International Airport first won the Infrastructure – Future Projects category before being selected as the overall Future Project of the Year, underscoring its global significance and design excellence.

Celebrating Bhutanese Craft, Identity, and Vision:

Designed as more than an infrastructure facility, Gelephu International Airport is envisioned as a cultural and ecological gateway that reflects Bhutan’s identity and values. Its architecture intricately weaves traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship—especially woodcarving—into advanced structural engineering, creating a form that is both functional and deeply expressive of place.

The WAF jury praised the project’s originality, noting that “it is unusual to see a project that integrates craft so actively into a gateway structure.” They highlighted its compelling

synthesis of innovation, authenticity, and cultural continuity.

As the principal arrival point to Gelephu Mindfulness City, the airport will introduce visitors to a city whose development philosophy is rooted in balance, wellbeing, and reverence for Bhutan’s heritage. Throughout the design process, GMC and BIG worked closely to ensure the vision aligns with His Majesty The King’s aspirations for a city

shaped by harmony between nature, culture, and thoughtful progress.

Statements:

Giulia Fritolli, Partner, BIG: “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition at WAF. Gelephu International Airport celebrates Bhutanese culture while exploring new possibilities in sustainable and human-centered design. It has been a privilege to work on a project that holds such significance for Bhutan and embodies a vision of architecture that serves both people and place.”

GMC Official: “This recognition affirms Bhutan’s belief that development can be both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural identity. Gelephu International Airport embodies His Majesty The King’s vision of progress anchored in harmony, values, and human wellbeing. We are honored that the WAF jury has seen the promise this project holds for Gelephu Mindfulness City and for Bhutan’s role in shaping thoughtful, future-ready urban development.”

Gelephu Mindfulness City regards this honor from the WAF jury as a major milestone—both in GMC’s development and in Bhutan’s rising presence on the global architectural stage.

Gelephu Mindfulness City