Ancient Future is a poetic exploration of harmony between Bhutan’s timeless artistry and cuttingedge technology. It features a six-metre wooden beam that was co-created by a Bhutanese artisan and AI-driven robotics. One half bears intricate traditional carvings; the other, AI’s interpretation of those designs. Together, they form a seamless narrative of human creativity and machine precision. Complementing this is the documentary Wood & Wire, chronicling a young woodcarver’s journey of collaboration with an AI robot. Ancient Future reimagines preservation as evolution, ensuring Bhutan’s rich heritage continues to inspire in a rapidly changing world.
Participants
BJARKE INGELS GROUP
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK; NEW YORK, USA
Bjarke Ingels, Denmark, 1974. Lives and works in New York, USA.
Giulia Frittoli, Italy, 1989. Lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.
LAURIAN GHINIȚOIU, Romania, 1985. Lives and works in Berlin, Germany.
ARATA MORI, Japan, 1983. Lives and works in Berlin, Germany
Authorial Collaborators
Bjarke Ingels Group: Luca Nicoletti and Filippo Dozzi (Project Manager), Filippo Cartapani (Project Designer); Integrated Wood Processing Plant, Thimphu: Tashi Penjor and Ngawang Tshomo (Project Manager), Ugyen Doya and Tshewang Tezin (Artists), Sangay Thsering
and Yeshi Gyeltshen (Carvers); Brick Visual: Jason Bergeron (Project Manager), Andras Vida (Visualisation Artist)
Technical Collaborators
FlexWood A/S: Ole Pedersen and
Bo Rasmussen (Fabricator); ABB Robotics: Claudia Magli (Coordinator), Oscar Ferrato (Installation & Application); CNC Fabrikken: Michael Funk Greve (Fabricator)
Supporters
Pro Bhutan, Germany; Roca; Rockwool; Schindler; Tvitec / Cricursa; Artemide; Naco; Squint/Opera; StructureCraft; Turner; Vitra
