Arcosanti, Where Arcology and Ecology are One

Discovering Arcosanti

I lived in Arizona for 22 years before hearing about Arcosanti. To my surprise, this eco-friendly town began construction in 1970, and its concept was derived even earlier. More importantly, Arcosanti, an urban laboratory, continues to evolve socially and environmentally today.

Before my visit, I learned that Arcosanti is the urban project and the brainchild of Italian Architect Paolo Soleri. The town centers itself around his belief that architecture should honor ecology. The people who live, work, and volunteer there enjoy experimental lifestyles that involve frugality and resourcefulness.

As a journalist, I was eager to learn more about this remote place with a purpose. So, I reached out to find out about a tour. They graciously invited me to stay overnight in one of their guest houses to take it all in and explore the grounds.

Coming from the east valley, I took the I17 north most of the way. There is an Arcosanti exit, which I must have driven by hundreds of times in the past. I thought to myself how I never wondered what was there. Around the corner from the exit is a mile of gravel road leading to Arcosanti. As I drove, I pictured what it would be like to live off the grid. Stocking up on food and being comfortable with less would be imperative.

The Guest Houses

Once I arrived at the housing and structures that make up Arcosanti, I parked in the visitor’s lot. I was early for my tour, so I walked toward the building to find assistance. I found some residents cooking in the kitchen who pointed toward where I would be staying.

At first, I tried to walk there but lost my confidence to find the way. It was so quiet I could only hear the sounds of nature; nothing else was close enough to interrupt the silence. I opted to drive to my accommodations and took the long, steep hill to get to my room.

The guest rooms are very modest hotel-style rooms with a bed and private bath. Inside, a wristband was waiting for me to wear as proof that I was a guest on the premises. It makes sense; I wouldn’t want someone roaming my property without my consent. So, I obliged and returned to the gallery for my tour.

The Tour

It was a hot summer day and not their busy season, so the tour was for myself and one gentleman. We first watched a video on Paleo Soleri’s history and the building process. I quickly discovered there was a method to their madness at every phase. For example, the design of each section aligns with the sun’s pattern for warmth or cooling during different times of the year. Furthermore, they build upward instead of outward to maintain the earth’s integrity and avoid waste.

The Wind Bells

Following the educational video, our guide showed us the various workspaces and explained what they do in each area. One of the most revered jobs is making bronze and ceramic wind bells, bowls, and planters. Soleri started making wind bells long before the existence of Arcosanti. Creating these treasures, called Cosanti originals, keeps his spirit alive. Moreover, selling the bells is the only thing they do that is for-profit.

The Foundation

That said, the Cosanti Foundation is an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1965. The foundation strives to balance the environment, ecology, and people through architecture. Funding for the project comes from grants, workshops, tours, lectures, festivals, and cultural collaborations and partnerships. Many Arcosanti residents are foundation employees, while others work on-site, nurturing the project’s health.

Throughout our tour, our guide showed us resident housing, the music room, the cafe, the garden, the amphitheater, the gym, and other sacred spots. Seeing it all up close gave me a great idea of how people here work, play, and respect our planet.

Conservation

At this point, I am humbled by their way of life and must commend what they are doing. Our guide explained they are somewhat off-grid, but only partially. For instance, she shared that although they rely on alternative energy sources like solar power generators, they also have conventional electricity and Wi-Fi.

Additionally, the abundant Agua Fria River is the primary water source at Arcosanti. But since they are on top of an underground aquifer, they strive to harvest rain from roofs and buildings and manage the runoffs in the washes to replenish the aquifer. And although the community does have a large swimming pool, the entire complex shares just one.

Food

Everyone on site has access to the café and gardens; however, they mostly cook food on their own. That said, trips to the grocery store may be consolidated to stock up on goods. Additionally, the residents and volunteers will sometimes hold potlucks and gatherings at designated spots on the property.

The on-site café is closed on Wednesdays, so after my tour, I left to find the nearest restaurant, the Creekside Lodge & Cabins—a cozy little spot just off AZ-69, about 7 miles from Arcosanti. The food was delicious, and the service was delightful. Furthermore, when visiting Arcosanti, it offers another place to spend the night in Mayer, Arizona.

After lunch, I returned to the complex and wandered about, admiring the structures’ efficacy and unusually appealing aesthetics. Gazing up in the direction of their build, noting all the steps, I felt surrounded by brilliant minds. Even though I barely saw anyone during my visit, their ambition to avoid urban sprawl is evident at every corner.

Doing our Part

I returned to my room, opened a bottle of wine, and began writing about my experience. In doing so, I observed the stillness and appreciated how far away I felt from the modern world. I was mesmerized by the cliffs across the Valletta Canyon and grateful for the sunset in this privately wide, open piece of the planet. I may not be the kind of person who could live day-to-day life in such remoteness. But my time here has made me think of more ways to care for our universe.

I left for home bright and early the next day, and the light from the sunrise graced my exit. I drove up the long, steep hill from the guest houses and down the long gravel road back to life on the grid. I still think about the remarkability of this project. Whatever your opinion of it, shouldn’t their practices motivate us to protect our earth as best we can?