Dechen Dolkar
The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a special administrative region in Bhutan, is leveraging the expertise of more than 150 international development partners to realise the ambitious urban development project envisioned by His Majesty the King.
The newly unveiled GMC website highlights eight key global collaborators who will drive various facets of the project.
Leading the project management is Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), a Thailand-based property developer known for its residential, community, retail, and hotel projects. The MQDC operates under the philosophy of ‘For All Well-Being’ and provides a 30-year warranty on its residential units, reflecting its commitment to exceptional construction standards.
The company emphasises ‘sustainnovation’ in its projects, aiming to lead in sustainability across its developments. The MQDC also supports the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Centre (RISC), Asia’s first research hub focused on sustainable building, and operates the FutureTales Lab, a futurology centre aimed at finding solutions for future well-being.
Urban design and planning will be spearheaded by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), a prestigious global architecture firm with a reputation for innovative urbanism and design. With offices in Copenhagen, New York, and London, BIG will shape GMC’s architectural vision and urban landscape.
British firm ARUP, renowned for its work on landmark projects like the Beijing 2008 Olympics’ Bird Nest Stadium and Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, is entrusted with infrastructure engineering, including mobility, water, energy, and digital systems.
CISTRI, specialising in strategic economics, will oversee land-use planning and economic strategy. The firm, based in Singapore, provides independent, evidence-based advice on urban development and has extensive experience in supporting projects across Asia Pacific, Greater China, and the Middle East.
NACO, a division of Royal HaskoningDHV, will focus on airport feasibility studies and planning. With a track record of over 75 years, NACO brings expertise in designing future-ready airports with an emphasis on sustainability.
ERM, a global leader in environmental consulting, will manage wildlife and ecological preservation for the GMC project. With more than 8,000 employees worldwide, ERM provides services in sustainability, risk management, and ecological conservation.
CDR, an independent hydrology consultant, will handle river system management, flood control, and assess the ecological impacts of the project. Based in the Netherlands, CDR specialises in coastal, river, and port engineering.
Teneo, a New York-based strategic communications firm, will provide public relations and advisory services. One of the Big Four firms in its sector, Teneo offers expertise in communications, strategy, and crisis management.