Key Meanings: Indigenous plants of Israel and its environs, Historical Botanical Ecological Garden, Innovative phytosociological concept, indigenous spirituality, Genius Loci, modest charm
Artist Statement: Being one of the first ecological botanical gardens of the world (1931), this garden was planted according to the innovative theory of phytosociology; presenting ‘societies’ of plants which share common ecological environments. Surviving twenty years of complete neglect (1948-1967) the garden still keeps its truly indigenous charm. The conservation project I envisioned aims at repairing the serious damages to the garden done during the construction of the New Mt. Scopus campus in the 1970’s. It also aims at establishing its identity as a precious and fragile cultural asset which presents the indigenous plants of the region and an important archaeological site. This unique location manages to preserve and expose the intricate complexities and mysteries of the ancient place in midst of its modern surroundings.
The entrance tunnels leading to the garden from the area of the University’s Administration Building were constructed in the 1970s primarily to convey water through massive pipes to the cooling tower at the northern end of the garden. The aim of the restoration project was to transform the appearance of these installations into an inviting and significant main entrance to the garden.
View of the entrance tunnels after their restoration – October 2008
Above: Preparatory drawing for the rehabilitation of the Entrance Tunnels – Ran Morin 2004
Right on page 19: “Root Systems”, Ran Morin 2008: Frescoes depicting the root systems of eight local trees (acacia raddiana, pine, oak, carob, olive, cypress, fig, and almond) were painted along the main entrance tunnel to the garden. The paintings are incised into the specially prepared earth-colored stucco.
Fresco depicting the root system of a Jerusalem pine tree (Pinus halepensis)
When considering the vegetative model we are presented immediately with a vertical orientation. The lower position is occupied by the root which works into the earth, belongs to the moisture and to the darkness. The stem, the trunk… strives upward in exactly the opposite direction, toward the sky, the light, and the air… When we consider this miraculous structure… we will once more meet an important principle of structure: life is unable to work at the surface or express its generative powers there. The whole activity of life requires a covering which protects it against the raw elements of its environment… a covering which preserves its delicate nature so that it may fulfill the specific purpose for which it is inwardly destined. J.W. von Goethe, On Morphology, 1807
Roots of a fig tree in Hall III of the Nicanor Tomb.
Hall III – The Central hall of the Burial Complex
Burial complex III is the central and most elaborate of the Nicanor Tomb. Its central entrance hall measures 4.3 × 3.9 m. and has a 2.45 m-high vaulted ceiling. Nine smaller burial chambers and kokhim branch out of this central hall, some leading to additional lower burial rooms. After being closed for many years, this hall was reopened in August 2007, revealing an elaborate root system of a fig tree. Hall III may represent the symbolic nucleus of the site. The combination of living roots and ancient burial chambers hewn into the bedrock conveys the spirit of the Mt. Scopus Botanical Garden.
The renovated central path links the garden’s major landmarks. It begins at the western entrance of the campus, continues through the desert observation point and the historical avenue of the Jerusalem pines, and ends with the Nicanor Tomb. The path has a solid floor and has been adjusted to accommodate the disabled. Water and electrical infrastructures and nighttime lighting were installed along the path.
The central path after its renovation – August 2008.
Right: Scenes along the central path before the works
Left: Stages in the renovation of the central path (April-July 2008)
