Ancient Future: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

On the occasion of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Carlo Ratti, BIG–Bjarke Ingels Group presents Ancient Future: Bridging Bhutan’s Tradition and Innovation. The exhibition, hosted at the Arsenale, gives tangible form to the design of the future Gelephu International Airport, proposing a dialogue between Bhutan’s rich artisanal heritage and the possibilities offered by contemporary technology.

Wood as a Shared Language

At the heart of the exhibition are four 3.5-meter-long glulam (glued laminated timber) beams, produced in Denmark and engraved with the diamond motif that will define the airport’s architectural structure. Two of these beams are hand-carved by Bhutanese artisans Sangay Thsering and Yeshi Gyeltshen, while the other two are shaped by a robotic arm that faithfully replicates the same decorative patterns. The installation demonstrates how traditional knowledge can not only coexist with technology but find in it an ally that enhances its reach and relevance.

“The Ancient Future exhibition shows how a tradition can evolve without being lost. One of the most powerful moments was seeing a hand-carved beam next to a machine-carved one. You can tell them apart—but it’s not about replacement. It’s about mutual support. Machine intelligence enables craft to scale, but the art and ideas remain in human hands.”

 

Giulia Frittoli, Partner, BIG

The Three Dragons of Bhutan

Embodying the spirit of the project are three wooden dragon sculptures created by Bhutanese artists, representing the past, present, and future of the country. The first clutches precious jewels, symbols of Bhutan’s natural and spiritual wealth; the second holds the Dharma Wheel, evoking the current moment of transformation; the third carries the Double Vajra, a symbol of stability and vision, pointing toward a resilient future.

Accompanying the exhibition is a documentary by Laurian Ghinitoiu and Arata Mori that offers a poetic glimpse into the creative process. The film alternates between human gestures and mechanical movements, highlighting both the affinities and distinctions between the two realms. Footage shot in Bhutan—including scenes of architecture, music, and traditional dances—creates a visual choreography that celebrates the fusion of artisanal and algorithmic intelligence.

After the Biennale concludes on November 23, 2025, the carved beams will travel to Bhutan, symbolically marking the start of construction for the Gelephu International Airport. Conceived as a global gateway and part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan—designed by BIG in collaboration with Arup—the new airport is deeply rooted in the Himalayan landscape. It stands as a manifesto for a new kind of architecture: cultured, spiritual, and collective.

>>> Also discover “Gateway to Venice's Waterways,” the installation, located at the Arsenale created by the Norman Foster Foundation and Porsche