Since 1970 over 5,000 people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines have helped Paolo Soleri by participating in the Arcosanti Workshop Program in effort to build the world’s first prototype Arcology (Architecture + Ecology).
Arcology is Paolo Soleri’s concept of cities which embody the fusion of architecture with ecology. The arcology concept proposes a highly integrated and compact three-dimensional urban form that is the opposite of urban sprawl with its inherently wasteful consumption of land, energy and time, tending to isolate people from each other and the community. The complexification and miniaturization of the city enables radical conservation of land, energy and resources.
Keeping the state of many developing countries in mind, economically, climatically and socially would such a radical idea be wise to implement in the third world. Seeing how many times in this part of the world we have food shortages and drought, does it not make sense to shift cities to barren land and keep fertile ground for much needed agricultural output.
It would be interesting to hear peoples views on these theories and the project arcosanti
visit the website for more info
http://www.arcosanti.org
Workshop Start Dates for 2004
June 20, July 25, Aug 29, Oct 3, Nov 7
