The term arcology comes from architecture + ecology. The concept was developed by the Italian architect Paolo Soleri. In an arcology, architectural structures and inhabitants interact as parts of a living organism. This means many systems work together, efficient circulation of people and resources, multi-use buildings, and solar orientation for lighting, heating and cooling
from Arcology
Theory: "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, time and
human resources
In nature, as an organism evolves it increases in complexity, and it also becomes a more compact or miniaturized system. The city too is an organism, one that shouldfollow the same process of complexification and miniaturization to become a more lively container for the social, cultural, and spiritual evolution of [humankind]."Paolo Soleri - Earth's Answer, Lindsifarne Books, ©1977
Designed by Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti is located in the high desert of northern Arizona. Begun in 1970 as an "urban laboratory," it can house 7000 people while occupying only 25 acres of a 4,060 acre preserve. The site promotes this alternative use of space and seeks to educate people on arcology and Soleri via a virtual tour, various essays and e-mail links to some of the residents. The Arcosanti web site is the next best thing to being there.
(from a synopsis in The Scout Report - October 25, 1996)reviews
The
Bridge Between Matter and Spirit is Matter Becoming Spirit
interviews:
Paolo
Soleri - We The People Radio Interview By Jerry Brown, Part 1, December
8, 1995
Paolo
Soleri - We The People Radio Interview By Jerry Brown, Part 2 December
11, 1995
Arcology
of Love, The Work of Paolo Soleri by Doctress
Neutopia
1st
Generation Arcology - the theoretical definition of a radical
urban system
2nd
Generation Arcology - the splitting of the arcology in half,
exposing the core to the sun (solar energy). Arcosanti, originally
a 1GA, was subsequently redisigned as 2GA
3rd
Generation Arcology - packaging the 2GA - modular and standardised
structures
4th
Generation Arcology - colonisation of outer space
Detail
of City by Jim
Purdon
related topics:
| the singularity | transhumanism | new paradigms | nanotechnology |
Future Multiplex Lobby |
