The Paradox Workshop program at Arcosanti is a component of the Paradox Project, Paolo Soleri's initiative to explore the complementary relationship between cyberspace and arcology. The Paradox Project now includes 5 distinct components:

1. The annual Paradox conferences held each Fall at Arcosanti,

2. the Arcosanti Website,

3. the online Virtual Arcosanti Community,

4. the Virtual Arcosanti Model - a fly-through animation and interactive VRML model of the completed Arcosanti 2000 arcology,

5. and the 5-week Paradox Workshop program.

The Paradox Workshop allows selected "cybrarians" to ground themselves in the principles of arcology by participating in the experience of living at and helping to build Arcosanti. By cybrarians, we mean those digital insiders who are in Dr. Soleri's words:

"... intellectually alert, aware of some of the problems of life and death; ... with a sense of history and with the sense that there is something more than what we behold and what we experience,"

Paradox workshoppers will participate in some parts of the regular five-week Arcosanti Workshop program. Week One is an intensive seminar providing an in-depth look at the growing urban-environmental problems we face as planetary citizens; an overview of the urban design philosophy of Paolo Soleri; and what Arcosanti hopes to accomplish in its modest attempt to demonstrate an alternative to urban sprawl. Design development and construction history of the Arcosanti project are covered through slides, lectures, models, drawings and meetings with Soleri. A sampling of work activities, an overview of the geography, natural-history and prehistory of the area, and a silt casting experience are also included.

For the remaining four weeks Paradox workshoppers will allocate their 40-hour workweeks as follows:

1) 50% to applying their computer and cyberspace skills to assist with implementing the five components of the Paradox Project outlined above, and

2) 50% focused on the continued construction of Arcosanti, specifically the award-winning East Crescent theater-residential complex, as well as on maintenance, site improvement projects and special events planning, preparation and execution. No experience in construction, architecture or the studio arts is necessary.

The remainder of the day can be used by Paradox Workshoppers for personal projects, such as crafts, hiking, or getting involved in the many cultural activities available at Arcosanti.

Paradox workshoppers will reside in the Arcosanti Greenhouse Guestrooms, which though quite basic and frugal, have superb views of the surrounding desert landscape, and are closer to the main complex at Arcosanti than the Camp area housing provided for the participants in the regular Arcosanti Workshop program. All meals are provided in the Cafe at Arcosanti.

Because of the limited computer facilities now available at Arcosanti, Paradox workshoppers are advised to bring their own laptop computers if they wish to have web access or work on computer-related personal projects during their off-hours. While working on Paradox-related projects, Paradox workshoppers will have access to the computers and net access available in Arcosanti's Paradox Computer Lab.

Total cost for the five-week Paradox Internship Program, including tuition, room and board, is $1,300, and is due by the first of the month preceding the beginning of the workshop to which you are applying. Applications received after this date will be assessed a late fee.

If you would like to be involved in the Paradox Workshop at Arcosanti, please fill out the application form. Be sure to include your $50 non-refundable registration fee with your application, which will be credited to your total fee upon acceptance. - If you have further questions, please call us anytime at 520.632-0035, or from 9am to 5pm (MT) weekdays at the Arcosanti main number at 520.632-6237. Or email us at paradox@arcosanti.org. See you at Arcosanti! Ron Anastasia Director, Arcosanti Paradox Program

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