ANDAKILL: BIRD SANCTUARY
The Andakill Ecological Sanctuary is the natural setting and conceptual framework for a series of academic explorations and landscape strategies focused on the conservation and enhancement of the birdlife and ecosystems of Andakill
Academic Team:
Ivan Juarez
Helena Guttormsdóttir
Nanna Vilborg
With the natural setting of the Andakill bird sanctuary, protected area and Ramsar designated site, a series of didactic exercises have been developed to promote ideas, reflections and field actions. The exercise conducted in Andakill, located along the delta of the Hvíta River in Borgarfjörður, explores new ways of learning and interacting with the territory, which stands out as a key area for the conservation of wetlands and ecosystems.
Landscape Architecture | Faculty of Planing & Design | AUI
WORKSHOP ON BIRD BIODIVERSITY
The didactic approximation consists of a three-day workshop aimed at students of environmental science and landscape architecture at the Agricultural University of Iceland, Focusing on the biodiversity of bird species in Andakill and their habitats
FIRST PHASE: The workshop is organized in two phases. The first, divided into two stages, focuses on the study of migratory and resident birds inhabiting the Andakill sanctuary. In this phase, each participant assumes the role of a specific bird species and expresses themselves in the first person, investigating questions that allow them to explore their journey and life:
Where do I migrate from? How long does my migratory journey take? What do I eat? Where do I build my nest and when do I breed? What challenges do I face during my migration and in Andakill? This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the characteristics of these birds, as well as their nesting, feeding and other relevant patterns.
An interactive map is then created in which each participant, representing his or her assigned bird, traces with threads its migratory route, including the origins and trajectories of the birds to their destination in Iceland-Andakill. In this way, a common map is generated that reflects the various migratory routes of the different species.
SECOND PHASE: The second phase is divided into two stages. In the first, after becoming familiar with the birds, the characteristics of the Andakill territory as a habitat for these species are explored. Four teams are formed to analyze the main environments: the river delta, wetlands, agricultural fields and the urban area. This analysis is carried out within the framework of design-oriented research.
Finally, landscape strategies are developed which are based on each of the four environments. In this process, design approaches are applied to propose interventions that seek to enhance, regenerate, promote and disseminate the harmonious coexistence between biodiversity and human activities in the unique natural environment of Andakill.
The exercise explores the impact of design as a tool to preserve and enhance bird wildlife and ecosystems, highlighting the creation of birdwatching refuges and trails that optimize the experience in these areas, with a particular emphasis on ecotourism and environmental conservation.
