Bhutan takes over sustainability to a new level, plans the first carbon negative city

The airport designed by the BJARKE Ingels Group (Big) will reflect the sustainable principles of the city using environmentally friendly materials and advanced technology. There are also plans for a transport system with a low structure that promote electric vehicles, cycling and pedestrian trips.

The airport is located in the Sarpang district and, according to Paro, acts as Bhutan’s second international hub with a 65,000 square meter terminal, on which 123 flights can handle. Projections expect 5.5 million passengers up to 2065.

Big’s design is inspired by the Himalaya landscape, with a striking wooden structure made from Glulam from the region, a material that has a synonym for traditional Bhutan architecture. This flexible design enables future expansion.

The aesthetics of the airport reflects the natural beauty of the region and combines seamlessly with the surrounding subtropical forests and mountains.

Complicated wood carvings, inspired by the “Kachen” break, will decorate the interior and show traditional Bhutanian craftsmanship. Techniques such as Shing-Zo (Carpentry), Par-Zo (Carving) and Lha-Zo (painting) are prominently presented.