Arcology

Paolo Soleri, architect and author, born and educated in Turin, Italy came to continue his architectural studies with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West outside of Phoenix. In Arizona he not only cultivated his use of natural elements in his plans but also incorporated a respect for ecology. 

Hence in 1970 'Arcosanti ', an urban experimental town with plans to sustain 5000 inhabitants north of Phoenix was born. Soleri's intentions were to teach future urban designers, architects, craftsmen and artists who would help him construct and complete his dream city with minimal impact on the land. 25 acres so far have been developed of a land preserve of an acreage of 4,000 + .

2001 Scale model of Arcosanti, only the inner gray structures have been constructed so far.

Eventually terraced gardens and greenhouses will also help heat the buildings.    

Organic food is grown in green houses for now while it's cold and large garden plots will provide food for daily meals in the cafe. 

Winter is about over although it still gets pretty chilly in the evenings especially at 7000+ ft.  Soon fields will be planted and one will be able to see crops growing below.
Bartered grazing land also enables meat to be available for residents's diet. 

Buildings for social interaction include theaters, meeting spaces, bakery, cafe and a swimming pool.

Even a tiered sitting area exists to star gaze while absorbing the day's heat.

Soleri Suite

Residential areas also include apartments/ suites.

My Washington state tour guide lives with his wife who teaches at Arcosanti in a 5 bedroom apartment with a shared kitchen area. Staff receives minimum wage and full time volunteers receive lodging and meals. 







So how is all this funded? 

Besides workshops, retreats, conferences and bell castings for sale, some 50,000 annual visitors, many international, make a minimal $10 tour donation and can even stay overnight for a fee. A fiber art workshop had just been held this past week. 

The original Costini Foundation started in 1959, still exists. Present Director Stein's plans include constructing 6 new apartment buildings, a permanent canopy for the amphitheater, a new commercial bakery and a storage unit for Soleri's architectural models.

It's very impressive to witness Soleri's vision of a future city's possibilities of connecting us with our natural surroundings and living lighter off this planet we call home...