The Arcosanti 5000 model returns from Rome. It was one of seven models displayed in the recent exhibition.
[Photo & text: sa]
The model was built to be displayed in the visitors center for the introduction presentation to Arcosanti, given to visitors.
[Photo & text: sa]
A group of Arcosanti tour guides meets to be familiarized with the details of this latest design of Arcosanti.
[Photo & text: sa]
The sole builder of this model, planning coordinator Dan Kelliher, explains the planned construction phases.
[Photo & text: sa]
After a long trip across the Arctic Circle and the Mohave Desert, the Rome Exhibition materials came home to the Soleri Archives.
[Photo & Text: T]
The crates were welcomed with a sigh of relief after their adventurous journey including an unscheduled landing in Seattle due to a fuel leakage in the air.
[Photo & Text: T]
Some of the architectural models are distributed for display around the Arcosanti site.
[Photo & Text: T]
After accompanying the cargo all the way from Rome to Milan-Luxembourg-LA, and finally back to Arcosanti, Sue Anaya unpacks the original drawings in the Soleri Archives.
[Photo & Text: T]
Dinah Yessne, Arcosanti Guest Services Manager, has her office at the bottom of the Visitor Center Building.
[Photo & Text: T]
Outside her office at the start of the visitor's trail, a reflective fish pond sends light into the shaded pilotis under the building.
[Photo & Text: T]
The multi-functional Bell Tower houses the staircase connecting the several levels of Crafts III building.
[Photo & Text: T]
Soleri bells greet Arcosanti visitors when they approach the Visitor Center.
[Photo & Text: T]
Among the Bell Tower's amenities, the Residents Art Space is on the ground floor. Here the Arcosanti artists' works are displayed and sold.
[Photo & Text: T]
These skylights are above the Red Room (named after its floor color) which is used for various functions including School of Thought, weekly forum in which Paolo Soleri answers questions from Arcosanti students, residents and visitors.
[Photo & Text: T]
The room is a part of S.O.D. (Soleri, Office and Drafting) Unit. Located at the southeast end of the site, it boasts a commanding view of the desert.
[Photo & Text: T]
During a recent School of Thought session, Colin Ray Elsberry, a 11-year-old visiting "filmmaker" uses his own video camera to record his interview of Soleri as a part of his entry in a national history competition.
[Photo & Text: T]
Overlooking the Agua Fria River in back of the Arcosanti site is the Minds Garden, designed to be a transitional urban space between the city and nature.
[Photo & Text: T]
Defined primarily by a combination of olive and Italian cypress trees, the geometry of the Minds Garden reminds one of Soleri's native mediterranean landscapes.
[Photo & Text: T]
The trees were planted in late 1980's in conjunction with the Minds Conferences held then. Many of the olive trees were planted by the conference participants such as late John Cage whose olive tree and the plaque are shown.
[Photo & Text: T]
Art and Nature events have also brought some interesting installations to the garden.
[Photo & Text: T]
In 1982, Colly Soleri Music Center acquired a Chickering concert piano. After played for a few years, it was rested unused in the theater.
[Photo & Text: T]
The 100-year antique found a new owner who will restore it to its original condition.
[Photo & Text: T]
One warm winter afternoon, we say tender goodbyes to the weighty one.
[Photo & Text: T]
A brand new baby (grand piano) was delivered in exchange for the one to which we wish a new life.
[Photo & Text: T]
Arcosanti metal studio produces approximately 40,000 Soleri wind bells each year. The metal casting is done in the morning and can often be observed by visitors on the 10 and 11 o'clock tours.
[Photo & Text: T]
Sand moldings are brought out to the butterfly-canopied slab where the molten bronze will fill their cavities.
[Photo & Text: T]
The equipment under the foundry apse is used to prepare the sand moldings.
[Photo & Text: T]
The Sky Theater, the roof of the East Crescent amphitheater backstage, has steps leading stargazers closer to the desert sky.
[Photo & Text: T]
The outward (radiant) theater also provides an expansive view of the valley surrounded by outcropping mesas.
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Occasionally performed light and sound shows in summer months bring audience to the Sky Theater. "Pictograph" features images projected on vertical cliffs across the valley and music filling up the space where the light is absent.
[Photo & Text: T]
The canopy encompassing the East Crescent outdoor amphitheater awaits the 2006 Colly Soleri Music Center performance series starting in spring.
[Photo & Text: T]
The current canopy was installed as a temporary roof until the new canopy is put in place and doubles the audience capacity to 600.
[Photo & Text: T]
During the warm months, the amphitheater hosts lively events such as concerts, dance performances and symposia.
[Photo: SA & Text: T]
Soleri started his ceramic crafts in early 1950's when he had opportunities to work in Vietri, Italy. He has been supporting his projects including Arcosanti primarily with the proceeds from his crafts. The cones seen through a small window tell the changing condition of the infernal environment in the kiln. When the desired temperature is achieved after about 24 hours, the kiln is turned off.
[Photo & Text: T]
After a proper cooling down period for about another 24 hours, Ed Werman, Ceramics Studio manager, is ready to unload the fired products.
[Photo & Text: T]
Ceramics Apse in sunny winter afternoon provides a warm working environment for artisans.
[Photo & Text: T]
Arcosanti has been built mainly by volunteers who participated in our workshop programs since 1970. Following that tradition, East Crescent will be the focal point of this year's experiential programs.
[Photo & Text: T]
Passive, active and hybrid solar systems are incorporated in the design of this complex. Series of light scoops shown here provide passive solar heat gains in winter and cross ventilation cooling in summer through clerestory windows. With the eventual completion of the Energy Apron that is essentially a greenhouse planned on south-facing slope of the site, East Crerscent will demonstrate an integration of small-scale urban habitat and agricultural/energy production facilities.
[Photo & Text: T]
Thermal performance of the building greatly depends on tightness of the building envelope such as the quality of insulation layout and the control of air-infiltration.
[Photo: Scott W. Riley & Text: T]
Five-week workshop programs start every 5 weeks. The first opportunity to participate in this hands-on program for 2006 will be on January 29.
[Photo: David de Gomez & Text: T]
Arcosanti Cafe provides wholesome meals to the residents and guests.
[Photo & Text: T]
Visitors are welcome to experience informal dining in spacious atmosphere with a spectacular view.
[Photo & Text: T]
Three-storied high atrium in the Crafts III building gives the visitors opportunities to see multi-layered activities from each vantage point.
[Photo & Text: T]