do you know what ARCOLOGY is?

Elyse on top of the ceramics production area

Kenny chilling on the star-viewing steps (before the stars are out)

Arcology is a concept that merges architecture and ecology, and was developed by Dr. Paolo Soleri, an architect who came from Italy to Arizona in the 1940s, to intern with Frank Lloyd Wright.  He is opposed to urban sprawl and the automobile culture of suburban America.
He developed the concept and began building an arcology, called Arcosanti, in the Arizona desert, in 1970.  It is described as a building experiment, and has elements of intentional community and co-housing.  Dr. Soleri, who is 92 years old, does not accept corporate sponsorship and much of the work has been done by volunteers who come to 5 week workshops.  Some of these folks stay on, with a minimum of a 6 month commitment.  Last night in Jerome, we met someone who had lived here for 10 years, from 1970-1980.
Much of the money comes from the bronze and ceramic Soleri bells, which are beautiful and quite famous around the world.

massive Soleri bells in the cafe

We are staying overnight at Arcosanti in one of the 12 guest rooms.  Lots of good circulation, in a concrete building, with a fan--but it is 101 degrees outside.  It should go down to 70 tonight......Arcosanti

Dr. Soleri brought over cypress and olive trees from Italy.  All the rest of the trees are local.

ceiling of a work area

ceramics production area.
the cement was cast in place.