Arcosanti facts for kids
Arcosanti is an experimental town located in Yavapai County, central Arizona, United States. It is about 70 miles (110 km) north of Phoenix. The town sits at an elevation of 3,732 feet (1,138 m).
The idea for Arcosanti came from an Italian-American architect named Paolo Soleri (1919–2013). He started building it in 1970. Soleri wanted to show how cities could be better places to live. He also wanted to reduce the harm cities do to our planet. Many architects and urban designers learned from him and helped build this unique town.
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What is Arcosanti?
The main goal of Arcosanti is to explore a concept called arcology. This word combines "architecture" and "ecology." It means designing buildings and cities in a way that is good for the environment.
Arcosanti aims to create a place where people can interact easily, like in a city. At the same time, it uses very few natural resources. It also allows people to be close to nature. The project is building an experimental town on 25 acres (10 ha) of land. This land is part of a larger 4,060-acre (1,640 ha) preserve.
Construction began in 1970 and has continued over the years. The newest building was finished in 1989. The number of people living there usually ranges from 50 to 150. Many of them are students and volunteers. The original plan was for Arcosanti to house 5,000 people. So far, thirteen main buildings have been built. Some of these are several stories tall.
How Arcosanti is Designed
Arcosanti has many special design features. For example, some concrete walls are made using local dirt. This gives the concrete a unique look and color. It helps the buildings blend in with the surrounding landscape. Many walls also have art built right into them.
Most buildings face south. This helps them catch the sun's light and warmth. The roofs are designed to let in lots of sunlight in winter. They block most of the sun during the hot summer. The building where they cast bronze bells is shaped like a quarter-sphere.
The layout of the buildings is very detailed and natural. It's not a simple grid like most cities. This design aims to make everything easy to reach. It also encourages people to interact more, while still having their privacy.
Buildings and Facilities
The buildings at Arcosanti are designed to meet the needs of a community. They include:
- A five-story building with a visitors' center, cafe, and gift shop.
- A special building for bronze-casting bells.
- A ceramics workshop.
- Two large arched buildings called barrel vaults.
- Apartment buildings and public spaces around an outdoor amphitheater.
- A community swimming pool.
- An office area with an apartment above it.
- A two-bedroom "Sky Suite" at the highest point, available for guests.
Most of the buildings have roofs that people can walk on.
Arcosanti also has a "Camp" area. This was built for the first construction workers. Today, about a quarter of Arcosanti's residents live there. The Camp has a small greenhouse. It is close to gardens and large farming fields. There are plans for more greenhouses along the main building site. These would be used for plants in winter and to collect heat for the buildings.
Learning and Supporting Arcosanti
Arcosanti is mainly an education center. Students from all over the world come to attend workshops and classes. They also help with the ongoing construction. About 40,000 tourists visit each year. Tourists can take a guided tour or stay overnight in guest rooms.
Arcosanti gets some money from selling bells. These bells are made from clay and bronze right there on site. They also get money from donations and workshop fees. Many of the buildings have been built by workshop participants and volunteers.
Workshops and Learning
Since 1970, people have come to help build Arcosanti by joining workshops. In the past, workshops lasted five or six weeks. Participants learned about Paolo Soleri's ideas and helped with construction. These programs attract people interested in art, crafts, architecture, and city planning. They also appeal to those interested in philosophy, science, and farming.
Today, workshops are shorter, usually a week or less. They focus more on hands-on learning. You can take workshops in glass blowing, siltcasting (a way of casting concrete), and photography.
History of Arcosanti
- 1956: Paolo and Colly Soleri bought the land where their first studios, called Cosanti, were built.
- 1969: Soleri created the word "Arcology." This described his ideas for human living spaces that are good for the environment. He wrote a book about it called The City in the Image of Man. Construction of Arcosanti began in 1970.
- 1975–1977: A major exhibition showed Soleri's new designs for cities powered by the sun. The Arcosanti plan was updated to use these ideas. The planned population for Arcosanti increased to 5,000 people.
- 1978: A music festival was held at Arcosanti. A grass fire started in the parking lot, damaging many cars. This event stopped future music festivals at the site.
- 1980: The "Critical Mass" idea was introduced. This was a plan to build enough structures to house 10% of the 5,000 planned residents. This was meant to help the project gain momentum.
- 1988: The science fiction movie Nightfall was filmed at Arcosanti. Some residents acted as extras.
- 2001: A new master plan called "Arcosanti 5000" was developed. It showed a much larger complex with more unique structures. This design is still being worked on.
- 2009: Paolo Soleri celebrated his 90th birthday at Arcosanti. Many former students and guests attended. There were workshops, a bronze pour, and performances.
- 2011: Paolo Soleri, at 92 years old, retired as President and CEO of the Cosanti Foundation. He wanted the next generation to manage the project.
Arcosanti is run by the Cosanti Foundation, which is a non-profit organization. The Foundation holds workshops to teach Paolo Soleri's ideas. By 2012, over 7,000 people had helped build Arcosanti through these workshops. Each workshop includes a seminar week. This covers Soleri's background and his ideas about arcology. Participants also learn how Arcosanti operates. Then, they spend weeks working on important projects at the site.
Arcosanti is also home to Cosanti Originals. This business makes and sells Soleri's unique wind bells. The money earned helps support the larger architectural project.
Images for kids
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The Ceramics Apse
See also
In Spanish: Arcosanti para niños
