Given the tremendous interest in
ecological cities, for instance the carbon-neutral
Masdar in Abu Dhabi, it makes sense to take a look at
Arcosanti, a 40-year old "urban laboratory" in central Arizona...
"...demonstrating ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. [...] Arcosanti is designed according to the concept of arcology (architecture + ecology), developed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. In an arcology, the built and the living interact as organs would in a highly evolved being. This means many systems work together, with efficient circulation of people and resources, multi-use buildings, and solar orientation for lighting, heating and cooling. In this complex, creative environment, apartments, businesses, production, technology, open space, studios, and educational and cultural events are all accessible, while privacy is paramount in the overall design. Greenhouses provide gardening space for public and private use, and act as solar collectors for winter heat."
It sounds wonderful and visionary, but I wonder why it has the aura of egomaniacal lunacy?
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