Chang Yul Park by Arup

Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, is globally recognized for its commitment to environmental conservation—over 70% of the country remains forested, with more than half protected. Thimphu, its capital, is a city of sacred peaks and rich biodiversity, but faces environmental challenges due to rapid, unplanned urbanization.

In response, the Green Infrastructure and Open Space Masterplan was created as part of the broader Thimphu Structure Plan, aiming to establish a network of multifunctional green spaces that strengthen climate resilience, celebrate culture, and enhance quality of life. Chang Yul Park, completed in 2024, was selected as a pilot project to demonstrate how nature-based, inclusive design can transform urban environments.

Located on a formerly degraded site along the Wangchhu River, once known as a truck parking area in Changzamtog, the park represents a dramatic transformation. Led by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlement, RCUD, the Desuung Office, the Royal Project Coordination Office, and Thimphu Thromde, the project mobilised over 600 Desuups volunteers.

The park was inaugurated by His Majesty The King and marks the completion of an 18-month project that redefines what urban green space can be in Bhutan. Chang Yul Park establishes a benchmark for riverside parks in Thimphu with strategies such as:

– Connecting Changjiji and Changzamtog via a new pedestrian route
– Defining garden rooms balancing active and passive uses
– Naturalising the existing stormwater drain
– Creating riverside experiences with interactive, safe access to water
– Overlaying play, art, and programming within varied adventure and recreation zones

Six guiding principles shaped the design: Celebrate tradition; Provide shade and comfort; Balance uses; Ensure accessibility; Showcase native flora; Enable transitions.

The park includes three main character areas: The Meadows (flexible lawns), The Community Hub (café, gallery, plaza), and The Sensory Gardens (ethnobotanical and educational). Attracting over 6,000 visitors per weekend, Chang Yul Park is a thriving riverside park offering ecological, cultural, and recreational benefits, redefining sustainable urban landscape design in Bhutan.

• Other landscape architecture offices involved in the design of the landscape:
Arup, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT)

• Architecture offices involved in the design:
Arup, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT)

• Other credits:
Collaboration with the Department of Human Settlement, the Royal Commission for Urban Development (RCUD), the Desuung Office, the Royal Project Coordination Office, Thimphu Thromde and Desuups.

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