Sottobosco | Micro Landscapes

Sottobosco | Microlandscapes

Pyrenees, Andorra

Located in the eastern Pyrenees, Andorra is characterized by its close connection with the mountainous landscape, shaped by a varied orography of steep valleys and high peaks. In this context, the Pyrenees mountain range presents a variety of ecosystems, including coniferous and deciduous forests, composed predominantly of fir and pine trees, which makes the region rich in biodiversity, and features several protected areas that increase its ecological value.

In order to highlight the biological richness and importance of a small area of the forest, the project temporarily relocates a fragment of micro-landscape. This fragment is conceived as a tribute to the delicate and fragile ecosystem of undergrowth microplants – mosses, lichens and ferns -. This micro-world generates a homogeneous stratum of vegetation of high ecological value, as it plays an essential role in the forest ecosystem by absorbing and retaining water, favoring the emergence of new habitats, preventing erosion and enriching the soil with nutrients.

The site-installation is immersed in the heart of the medieval village of Sant Julià de Lòria, located on the slopes of the forest on the banks of the river. In this way, the piece Sottobosco is intimately displayed in a small square next to the bell tower of the 11th century church.

As visitors ascend to the square, they are received by this fragment of undergrowth. The bio-installation invites visitors to interact closely with it, suggesting that they immerse themselves in it. Visitors interact with this fragment of landscape by identifying, observing, touching and smelling the vegetation cover, while increasing their sensitivity and connection to the biological microhabitats and appreciating the ecological importance of this ecosystem.

The work is part of an artistic itinerary through the medieval village as part of the LandArt Andorra Biennial. Once the exhibition was over, the vegetation fragment was returned to its original location in the forest. The process was carried out with the support and guidance of the Department of Environment and Forest Management of the Comú de Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra.