Since 1970 the Arcosanti Workshops have combined academic and experiential learning as participants study Paolo Soleri’s concepts and designs while contributing to the building of the arcology (architecture+ecology). Soleri proposes a lean urban alternative which is a highly integrated and compact three-dimensional form rejecting the need for urban sprawl with its inherently wasteful consumption of land, energy, time and human resources.  During the Five-week Workshop participants come to understand the why and wherefore of the world’s first prototype arcology.

Week 1: Seminar Week
Seminar Week is an introduction to the theory and concepts of Paolo Soleri.  Participants have two informal seminars with Soleri, and attend presentations by other Arcosanti staff on Arcosanti design development, construction history and future plans, and arcology theory.  The week also includes extended tours of the built site including residential interiors, a half-day hike through the natural area surrounding the site along the Aqua Fria River, and a silt-casting workshop.  Seminar Week is designed to stand alone and participants may enroll in Seminar Week only.  For Five-week Workshop participants Seminar Week provides a detailed introduction to their stay at Arcosanti.

Week 2: Field Trip and Work Opportunities
During the second week of the Five-week Workshop, participants have the opportunity to take a field trip to the Phoenix metropolitan, stay at Cosanti, Soleri's original studios started in mid-1950's) and at times assist small on-going projects there. They visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West and other architectural interests in the area. Participants also get an in-depth look at the work of various departments at Arcosanti, as they participate in occasional work projects.  Participants may enroll in Seminar Week and Week 2 only.  For Five-week Workshop participants Week 2 exposes them to the scope of work being undertaken at Arcosanti. A meeting with Soleri continues in Week 2.

Weeks 3, 4 and 5: Hands-on Intensive
During the last three weeks of the Workshop, participants work in one of the following departments:  construction, facilities maintenance, agriculture, archives, or landscaping. Every attempt is made to assign participants to the department of their choice taking the work priorities of the Arcosanti project into consideration. Participants will also rotate through café and recycling duties with other Arcosanti residents.  These three weeks also include weekly seminars with Soleri.

WORKSHOP START DATES IN 2009:

FEB 1 • MAR 8 • APR 12 • MAY 17 • JUNE 21 • JULY 26 • AUG 30 • OCT 4 • NOV 8

PREREQUISITES:

Previous construction or architectural knowledge is not a prerequisite for participation in our program. However, individuals must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult to attend the program.

TUITION AND FEES:

The total cost of the Five-week workshop is $1,350. The fees cover tuition, meals and accommodations. 

Workshop participants will be housed in dormitory-style accommodations. The dorms are partially completed rooms that will eventually be finished into apartments.  The facilities are shared with other workshop participants (various rooms can accommodate 2 to 8 people), and there are places to lock up valuables.  There is minimal heating and no air-conditioning! 

It may be possible to upgrade to a private guest room for an extra$75 per week, depending on availability.  Arrangements for guest rooms must be made well in advance by contacting the workshop coordinator.

REGISTRATION:
The first step of the application process is to register online. When we have received and processed your application, you will receive a notification by e-mail.  If you wish the notification to be mailed to you, please indicate this in the Interest section. To complete the registration process for the workshop seminar, we require a $50 non-refundable registration deposit.  This payment can be made with a credit card online or by calling the Arcosanti gallery at 928-632-6217.  You may also send a check or money order to:

Arcosanti Workshop Coordinator
HC 74, Box 4136, Mayer, AZ  86333, USA

Please be prepared to pay the remaining balance of the program fee upon arrival at Arcosanti.  Payment can be made in cash, check, money order, traveler’s checks or credit card.

Please contact the Workshop Coordinator at 928-632-6233 or workshop@arcosanti.org with any questions you might have.