Visionary architect Paolo Soleri, the Italian-born designer of the experimental city called Arcosanti in the high desert 60 miles north of Phoenix, died Tuesday. He was 93.
Soleri, one of the few remaining direct disciples of Frank
Lloyd Wright, actually saw few of his projects built. But his exalted
manifestos on a revolutionary lifestyle of complex but compact cities
where cars are not needed and more of the natural landscape is preserved
made him one of the most recognized names in architecture and design.
Few of his projects have been built, but it was his exalted manifestos that made him one of the most recognized names in architecture and design.
“If you are truly concerned about the problems of
pollution, waste, energy depletion, land, water, air and biological
conservation, poverty, segregation, intolerance, population containment,
fear and disillusionment: Join us,” says the poster at Arcosanti’s
entrance.
Just off Interstate 17 in Cordes Junction, Arcosanti is an
urban project that explores the possibilities of future city life in
concrete and steel. Soleri envisioned more than 5,000 people living in
the complex. It never achieved Soleri’s full vision, though it continues
to operate and evolve with his goals in mind.
Soleri’s impact can also be seen — and heard — across the
Valley. Among his completed projects is a $3.5million pedestrian bridge
in Scottsdale, Soleri Bridge and Plaza, southwest of Camelback and
Scottsdale roads. It is the only completed bridge of the hundreds he
designed.
Visionary architect Paolo Soleri has died at 93
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