Visit Arcosanti; Progressive City In Arizona Desert

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 1 person | Log in to rate

Ranked #4,144 in Travel, #126,895 overall

A City Out Of The Future...

... or maybe, the future coming back to invite us forward.

When I first discovered Arcosanti, I absolutely felt like I had found a city out of the Star Trek universe. That's exactly how it looks, all alien like or from some other kind of civilization.

Walking the streets of Arcosanti is an experience in itself. I went for a overnight visit during the summer of 2000 (I think it was) and plan on going back to see what's new.

This is the design of Paolo Soleri, Italian architect and visionary.

Construction started in the 1970's and is an on-going project that will take many more years still to complete.

You're invited: Come join me

Experimental Town In High Desert Of Arizona 

Construction began in 1970 in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of Pheonix.

It is an experiment like no other and could revolutionize the way we think of cities.

Arcosanti is, and will be, once complete, a demonstration of a compact urban living without sacrificing comfort and well being.
  • When complete, Arcosanti will house 5000 people. It is meant to demonstrate how to lesson our impact on the Earth and environment all the while improving urban conditions.
  • It's large scale solar green houses will occupy only 25 acres of the 4060 acre land preserve. The natural surroundings are maintained and preserved for all people and animal life.
  • Arcosanti systems are designed for efficient circulation of people and resources, multi-use buildings, and solar orientation for lighting, heating and cooling.
  • Apartments, businesses, production, technology, open space, studios, and educational and cultural events are all accessible. Greenhouses provide gardening space for public and private use, and act as solar collectors for winter heat.

Bring The City To Your Living Room 

A few titles to get you started

Arcosanti Archetype::The Rebirth of Cities by Renaissance Thinker Paolo Soleri

This is a great little book for an overview of what Arcosanti is about. Lots of image... a good thing, as this needs to be visually experienced since it is literally like nothing else you've every seen.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.95

Soleri's Cities Architecture for Planet [VHS]

If you prefer the DVD format, here it is. A walk through in the comfort of your living room until you have a chance to visit yourself.

Release Date: 06/16/2000

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.95

Soleri: Architecture as Human Ecology

This one is the newer book about Arcosanti. Heavy, big format.

Release Date: 07/14/2003

Amazon Price: $52.50 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $75.00

Usually ships in 24 hours

 

Arcosanti is:

arcology = architecture + ecology

- a concept developed by Paolo Soleri.

Igo GREEN Tip of the Day 

one step at a time, we can all get there

As we all know, doing our part to help the Earth and our own health starts at home, with small everyday actions we can easily implement.

Short Documentary 

USA Arizona: ArcoSanti - mini documentary (Paolo Soleri)

A small and interesting documentary about the ArcoSanti community (Paolo Soleri). A project for the NAU in flagstaff.

Runtime: 4:15
6697 views
10 Comments:

powered by YouTube

Google Map 

Visiting Arcosanti 

There are meny way and reasons to visit Arcosanti.
You can take a daily tour, stay overnight, sign up for one of their multiple workshops and/or internship, or simply attend an art event.

Group tours for 10 or more can be arranged ahead of time by contacting the Guest Service at (928)623.6222 or guests@arcosanti.org

Accomodations are limited and guests are encourage to make reservations. Overnight visitors must check in before 5pm at the Gallery or make prior arrangements.

Pick A Tour 

or arrange a specific one for your group

Arcosanti provides a variety of tours to cater to your interests. All pre-arranged tours are dependent on the availability of the staff off course, so it is best to call ahead and find out what is offered during your visit.
  • General Tours:
    - 7 days a week, from 10am-4pm, 1hr, $8
    - Quick, comprehensive introduction to the history and design philosophy of Arcosanti, and walking tour through most of the site.
  • Pre-Arranged Specialty Tours:
    - Foreign Language tours; depending on availability of guides. 1 hr.
    - Architecture & Planning; Conducted by member of Planning Department; consists of general tour, tour of planning office, current construction, and special session on design development with models and drawings. 2hrs.
  • Agricultural Tours:
    - explores sustainable agricultural program, 15 acres of fields and gardents: peach orchad, vegetable gardens, prototype greenhouses, large field, and most successful Paulownia tree stand in Western U.S. Includes successful organic food production, composting, permaculture, desert gardening, greenhouse growing, and overview of local wildlife and ecosystems. 1.5hrs.
  • Bird Watching Tours:
    - 2 mile hike through Agua Fria Riparian area. 2.5hrs.
  • Specialty Tours:
    - for groups of 10 or more.

Staying Overnight 

to get a better feel of the place.

Guest Rooms face the Agua FriaRiver Canyon and are accessible by an inclining footpath and then steps, or by vehicle along a rough road and then steps.
These include a continental breakfast, with coupon given at check in.

The Sky Suite is an apartment pearched near the top of the site, giving unparalleled views of the sunrise, sunset and the magnificent night sky.
  • Single Occupancy:
    - small room, shared bath, $30
    - regular room, shared bath, $35
    - regular room, private bath, $40
  • Double Occupancy:
    - small room, shared bath, $40
    - regular room, shared bath, $45
    - regualr room, private bath, $50
  • Room with kitchen:
    - Room A/B (twin beds, private bath, kitchen), single or double, $65
  • One and Two Week stay:
    - Room A/B, subject to availability.
    - Does not include breakfast coupon.
    - Includes room with twin beds, priavte bath and kitchen, extended personal tour of Arcosanti, home hospitality (visit Arcosanti residents in their homes)
    - 7 days, $390
    - 14 days, $700
  • Sky Suite Apartment:
    - 2 bedrooms (one double bed, one single bed), bathroom, kitchenette, living room, patio area with view of 4,000 acres of natural preserve surrounding Arcosanti.
    - sleeping mats can accomodate additional people.
    - includes continental breakfast for 2.
    - additional breakfast coupon available for $4.
    - $100 a night

Book A Visit Today 

Arcosanti is located 65 miles north of Phoenix, just off I-17, exit 262 (Cordes Junction)

powered by Orbitz

Arcosanti Panorama

"My solution is urban implosion rather than explosion."
- Paolo Soleri

Web Info 

A few links to get you started on your Arcosanti education.
Arcosanti main site
Main site with images, theory, construction image log so you can see the city evolve, workshop info, visiting info, etc.
Must visit whether you plan on physically going or not.
From the New York Times
Great article published in the New York Times in Sept. 2007 about a visit to the city.
What wikipedia has to say
Wikipedia resources.

Out Of This World Designs 

These bells have a very particular design style associated specifically with Arcosanti. There are well known and are a major fundraiser for continuing construction of the city.
I have one on my porch and can tell you they have a beautiful sound.

The Bells of Arcosanti

Release Date: 04/21/2000

Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $15.99

Usually ships in 24 hours

Amazon Recommendations 

Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection

Blog Entries 

Tags: Arcosanti, Paolo Soleri

Arcosanti
Dropped Liz at the Phoenix airport this past Tuesday and then slept in Agua Fria National Monument before heading into Arcosanti the following day. Arcosanti is the life's work of Paolo Soleri. You can read more about it on their site ...
Scottsdale Daily Photo: Cosanti
Cosanti. I thought you might enjoy a tour of Paolo Soleri's art studio and residence. Soleri's residence on five acres is called "Cosanti." This first photo shows the walkway to the art store. Soleri is a working artist and architect. ...
Today@Arcosanti - 2009 ALUMNI REUNION - PAOLO'S 90TH BIRTHDAY
This past week-end, Paolo Soleri celebrated his 90th birthday and about 300 alumni and guests came for the occasion. The official schedule started on June 19. and this first day was entirely devoted to alumni. There were ongoing events, ...

In The News 

Paolo Soleri Bells: Extraordinary Phoenix vacation souvenirs
Cosanti bells, by famed architect, author and artist, Paolo Soleri, are among the most beautiful and unique artworks created in the Valley. ...
Paolo Soleri Turns 90, Builds First Bridge
It was, after all, nearly 40 years ago that the Italian architect began construction on Arcosanti, his alternative, experimental community near Cordes ...
Phoenix news briefs
Bruder has invited Paolo Soleri, a longtime area architect who is celebrating his 90th birthday. Soleri is the master behind Arcosanti, an urban sustainable ...

View from sky suite by Chris Colin

Keep On Traveling 

Flickr Images 

Tag: Arcosanti

Warning: these images will greatly increase your desire to visit Arcosanti in person. This place is truly unique and can only be fully experienced through a complete physical presence.

Soleri bell by paparutzi

Soleri bell

Detail of fish pond, Arcosanti by annieo76

Detail of fish pond,...

Fish pond and apartments, Arcosanti by annieo76

Fish pond and apartm...

Fish pond and apartments, Arcosanti by annieo76

Fish pond and apartm...

Passages, Arcosanti by annieo76

Passages, Arcosanti

Model of Arcosanti by annieo76

Model of Arcosanti

Guestroom mural, Arcosanti by annieo76

Guestroom mural, Arc...

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Arcosanti 2009 by heathervescent

Arcosanti 2009

Thanks for dropping by! 

Share your thoughts

What do you think about city of the future? Tell us your impressions here.

Also, please kindly remember to rate this lens if you feel so inclined and come see what else I'm up to through my lensography: SunfishOgraphy

Join Me In Changing People's Lives