Arcosanti at Cordes Junction, AZ and Cosanti in Scottsdale, AZ

I woke up with a sore throat last Sunday, the day I wanted to visit Arcosanti.  I momentarily thought about not going but I'm glad I went.

Arcosanti is the baby of now 90-year-old architect Paolo Soleri.  Paolo completed a fellowship under Frank Lloyd Wright and fully embraced the concept of organic architecture.  He also had an affinity for working in nothing but a white Speedo, which I saw video clips of during my visit.  (Apparently this didn't play out well with Mrs. Wright, who was running Taliesin West after Frank died.) 

Before Frank Lloyd Wright's death, he and Paolo had a falling out - according to my tour guide at Arcosanti.  The tour guide said it was because of Frank's ego and Mrs. Wright complaining to her husband about Paolo's attire - or lack thereof.  (Paolo was tan and fit in the Speedo pictures I saw.  Still, trunks would've been a better option in my opinion!)

Arcosanti is based on an intriguing concept.  I agree with Paolo that our urban sprawl (of which Phoenix is a prime example!) makes us waste endless hours behind the wheel - often at a standstill - and isolates us from our neighbors and community centers.  (Many of the houses in Phoenix are in developments where everyone's backyard is surrounded by a stucco or block wall.  My friend who lives there has no idea who her neighbors are.)  His idea is to create dense space for living (although everyone has privacy), working, playing, and meeting.  This enhances the sense of community and preserves open space for all to enjoy.  It also promotes health as people walk to movies, shopping, work, etc.

It is possible to spend the night at Arcosanti, or longer.  My tour guide has lived/worked there for 1.5 years.  When I saw tricycles around and asked where the children are schooled, I expected to hear they were homeschooled.  They are not.  They actually attend school about 8 miles away.  (Someone from Arcosanti has to get them down to the end of the 2 mile lane, though.)

Arcosanti is funded by tours (where there is a suggested $10 donation) and the "world famous" Soleri bells.  These bells - either bronze or ceramic - are beautifully artful.  I wanted to buy one but wondered how my neighbors (and I, for that matter!) would feel about hearing deep bell/wind chime sounds day and night.  The bells varied greatly in price range - from $40 to thousands.  I wound up buying a small (maybe 2 by 4 inches) piece of decorative bronze.

This is a picture of the foundry.

I took a little hike after the tour and was treated to not only a great view of the property, but my first enounter with a javelina.  (I think this one was a baby.)  I wasn't sure what to do so we stared at each other a bit and left each other alone.


After a vegetarian lunch at Arcosanti, I decided to explore Cosanti back in Scottsdale.  It was about a 1.5 hour drive.  Cosanti is where Soleri lives with this family.  It is in a lovely, upscale residential area.  It is also another opportunity to buy bells.  Once again, I refrained....but certainly thought about it again.

Visitors are free to roam the property.  There are signs at various locations, however, that ask visitors to not proceed so as to respect the privacy of the residents.  It was an opportunity to spend some more time in the wonderful weather, peek into the foundry, and marvel at the unique architecture.  Another day well spent!