Bjarke Ingels Group Designs Bhutan’s Airport with Intricate Wood Carvings

Traditional Architecture Revived with Modern Airport

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has unveiled the design for the new Gelephu International Airport in Bhutan, an ornamental project that integrates the country’s traditional craftsmanship with modern architectural innovation. The airport features a modular diagrid structure made of glulam timber, adorned with Bhutanese wood carvings. This design, which will be presented at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, highlights the balance between ancient traditions and contemporary techniques.

The Gelephu International Airport, located near the Bhutan-India border and Paitha River, is a key element of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) masterplan, developed in collaboration with NACO, Arup, and Cistri. Designed to handle up to 123 flights daily, it is projected to accommodate 1.3 million passengers by 2040, scaling up to 5.5 million by 2065.

BIG’s team at Gelephu International Airport pays special attention to showcasing Bhutan’s woodcarving traditions. Local artists will create intricate carvings that will adorn the timber structure, inspired by the revered ‘Kachen’ pillars of Bhutanese architecture. This approach celebrates the country’s cultural heritage while incorporating modern technology.

The airport’s design blends Bhutanese traditional craftsmanship with modern architectural innovation. The structure highlights Bhutanese craftsmanship, including traditional techniques such as Shing-Zo (carpentry), Par-Zo (carving), and Lha-Zo (painting). The wooden carvings extend throughout the airport’s interior and exterior, creating a cohesive aesthetic that mirrors the country’s architectural heritage.

A Forest Courtyard Connects Passengers to Nature

Bjarke Ingels Group embeds Bhutan’s natural environment and cultural values into the design of the Gelephu International Airport. The arrival plaza is divided into four zones, each dedicated to native plants from the surrounding forests. The airport’s terminal, which resembles a stylized mountain range, integrates elements of traditional Bhutanese design, including carved timber dragons symbolizing the past, present, and future.

Bhutan’s biodiversity is brought to the heart of the architecture. A central courtyard, called the Forest Spine, divides the terminal into domestic and international sections. It provides travelers with a calming connection to nature, featuring green spaces, a treetop walkway, and native flora. This design element reflects the emphasis on mindfulness and well-being, core values of Bhutan’s culture.

The passenger experience is prioritized in the design of the Gelephu International Airport, ensuring intuitive wayfinding and efficient circulation. The upper-level gates, along with retail and dining areas, offer travelers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Additionally, the airport’s wooden structure and ventilated roofs are designed to respond to the region’s subtropical climate, enhancing comfort while reducing energy consumption.

A modular glulam timber structure allows for future expansion and flexibility, while photovoltaic panels on the roof support Bhutan’s commitment to remaining carbon-negative. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern architectural innovation, BIG’s design for the Gelephu International Airport sets a new standard for sustainable and environmentally friendly airport design.