"We ask forgiveness for the damage caused and the impact that our action may have on the Mayan jungle with the realisation of this project," begins the manifesto of Cristina Ochoa, a Colombian contemporary artist who introduces Jardin En-Cantado or the En-Chanted Garden, a site-specific installation with these words of humility and reverence. This project, commissioned by SFER IK Museion, in Tulum, Mexico and curated by Marcello Dantas, reflects Ochoa’s deep respect for the land and her commitment to preserving the knowledge, medicines and spiritual practices passed down through generations by the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Her manifesto calls for a collective effort to protect and honour life within the Mayan jungle, advocating for an eco-feminist and politically spiritual relationship where art and ritual are vital to sustain life and wisdom.

The En-Chanted Garden is more than an open-air museum; it is a living, breathing entity that serves as a sanctuary for biodiversity, a vegetable pharmacy, a school and a repository of ancestral knowledge. Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, this collaborative project between Ochoa and Roth Architecture reconnects humanity with the sacred elements of the natural world. The garden invites visitors to engage actively with nature’s rhythms and the wisdom of Indigenous cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of how we can live in harmony with the environment.

The pavilion design is deeply rooted in the cosmogony and living memory of the native people. It is home to an array of life forms such as plants, fungi, animals, insects and more; each playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Simultaneously, it nurtures transdisciplinary communities of people, including Mayan spiritual leaders, herbalists, artists, scientists and researchers. These diverse groups come together to exchange knowledge and explore the connections between the sacred and the natural worlds. The garden is a place where the past and present converge, where ancient wisdom is preserved and shared with future generations.

Marcello Dantas, a Brazilian curator and artistic director of SFER IK, describes the project in the press release as "a botanical garden that gathers the sacred plants of the Indigenous América and more specifically the Mayan culture." He highlights the garden’s mission to keep these plants alive, not just physically but also in terms of retaining the knowledge and practices associated with them. "Cristina Ochoa dedicated her life to deciphering these plants and their powers," Dantas shares, underscoring the depth of research and dedication that has gone into the creation of this space. This project is a centre for research, conservation and ritual experiences, where the plants are catalogued with their names in various languages, alongside their medicinal and ritual uses.

The spatial design of the garden, created by Roth Architecture, is a vital part of its identity. Designed to blend seamlessly with the jungle, the structures within the garden are built using materials and techniques that honour the surrounding environment. The garden is encircled by the Mayan ceiba, a sacred tree, and is divided into different areas that serve various functions, each thoughtfully placed to create a harmonious balance between the built environment and the natural world.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a large mirror of water, a reflective surface that invites contemplation and connection with the elements. To the left lies the warehouse and the germinator, known as the Garden of Hope, where seeds and plants are nurtured for future growth. To the right, the medicinal spiral unfolds, offering a space for healing and exploration of the garden’s vast botanical resources. The north side houses the table of knowledge, a space dedicated to learning and the exchange of ideas, while the west is home to the compost area, a symbol of the garden’s commitment to sustainability and renewal.

The architecture does not impose itself on the landscape but rather complements it, allowing the jungle to retain its dominance. Plans for the garden include a seed bank, a plant reserve and a greenhouse dedicated to power plants. These structures will further solidify the garden's role as a sanctuary for biodiversity and a centre for ecological learning.

As part of its mission to preserve and transmit ancestral knowledge, the En-Chanted Garden is also the site of an evolving codex; a collection of visual pieces that document the plants within. These volumes, which will be compiled into a book scheduled for release in December will provide detailed information on 200 plants, including their botanical characteristics, cultural significance and uses in traditional medicine and rituals. This codex serves as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that the knowledge of these plants is not lost but passed on to future generations.

Ochoa’s work with this evolving project is part of a broader artistic practice that spans nearly two decades. Her art is deeply influenced by her studies in architecture and visual arts, which she pursued in Bogotá, Colombia. Over the years, Ochoa has developed a unique approach that combines ecological, feminist and mystical perspectives. Her projects often involve creating gardens and other spaces where people can reconnect with nature and explore new ways of living in conformity with the environment.

The Colombian artist’s previous works, such as Pharmakon, have focused on the relationship between plants, substances and healing. She has explored the history of plants and herbalism, examining how different cultures have used these natural resources for medicinal, spiritual and cultural purposes. In the En-Chanted Garden, these concepts are woven into the very fabric of the space, merging the lush environment with the time-honoured wisdom of herbal and spiritual traditions.

SFER IK, the interdisciplinary arts centre that commissioned this biophilic architecture project, is located within the sprawling 10-acre AZULIK Uh May complex. Founded by Roth, a self-taught architect, ecologist and philanthropist, it is a space where nature, art and ancestry focalise. The museum itself is an example of biomorphic architecture, designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment. Its structure incorporates native trees, vines and wildlife, creating a space that is as much a part of the jungle as the flora and fauna it houses.

Since its founding, it has become a hub for innovative and genre-defining works of art. The museum has hosted exhibitions by renowned bio artists such as Ernesto Neto, Azuma Makoto and Marléne Huissoud, alongside Ochoa. Each of these artists has brought their unique perspectives, contributing to the museum’s mission of exploring the symbiotic relationship between nature and art.

The En-Chanted garden transcends traditional notions of gardens and museums by creating a dynamic space that merges art, nature and cultural heritage. It embodies a commitment to preserving and celebrating the natural world and its ancient wisdom as emphasised in Ochoa’s manifesto. Through its immersive experiences and educational opportunities, the garden invites us all to see, listen and heal through the forces that connect us by the roots.