Arcosanti, 'the city in the desert' is a prototype. It is a vision of the city of the future. Sited in the Arizona desert, Arcosanti is designed to be an alternative to the 'suburban sprawl' of our present cities - it is built three-dimensionally and is pedestrian, not automobile, orientated. Instead of straight lines and right-angles, it is built around natural forms such as curves, spirals and circles, and is designed to be environmentally sustainable.

The Cosanti Foundation began building Arcosanti in 1970. When complete, it will house 7000 people. The city demonstrates methods of improving urban conditions and reducing our impact on the earth, while occupying only 25 acres of a 4060 acre land preserve. As a result, those living in the city will always have close access to natural countryside.

Arcosanti is designed following the concept of Arcology (architecture+ecology), developed by the Italian architect Paolo Soleri. In Arcology, many systems work together, like the organs in our body. Buildings are multi-use, including areas for business, apartments, production, technology, studios and open space. Resources are shared efficiently between people, and there is a solar orientation for lighting, heating and cooling.

Arcosanti has a five week workshop program which teaches arcological philosophy and building techniques. They also sell Soleri windbells, ceramic and bronze pots, planters and tiles, crafted in the studios at Arcosanti, under the name of Cosanti Originals.

For further information, please visit the Arcosanti official website.