[image: The Lean Linear City. designed by Paolo Soleri, 3D rendering by Young Soo Kim.
A postcard of this image is now available at the Cosanti and Arcosanti Visitors Centers].

Previous reports on the LEAN LINEAR CITY can be viewed on 4/20/05, 2/6 – 2/8/06, 8/5 – 8/14/09, 11/27 – 12/14/09. This updated and recently completed series of new 3D images will be in this weeks reports, 5/31 – 6/4/10.

[image: The Lean Linear City proposal, as shown at the Beijing Center of the Arts exhibition during the exhibition 3 DIMENSIONAL CITY – FUTURE CHINA, Nov. 2009 – Feb. 2010]

The text throughout these three reports consists of excerpts from "QUADERNO 9, SOLARE: LEAN LINEAR CITY", written by Paolo Soleri, 2005.

"SOLARE proposes a continuous urban ribbon, designed to intercept wind patterns of the region. It will also be sensitized to the sun’s radiation, both photovoltaic and greenhouse. Thus, energy-wise it is best suited for breezy and sunny regions."

[image: The Lean Linear City proposal, seen here as an extension from an existing city]

"Briefly stated, its main characteristics are:

A series of continuous sub-ribbons extend as the Lean Linear City develops with time:

[A] Two main parallel structures of thirty or more stories extending several kilometers to hundreds of kilometers.
[B] A climate-controlled volume constituting the inner park defined by the two structures delineated above, featuring greenhouse in winter and parasol in summer.
[C] Two wind generator continua
[D] Two photovoltaic continua
[E] One greenhouse apron continuum
[F] One orchard apron continuum
[G] Several logistical bands for local, regional, and continental trains (rail and maglev)
[H] Moving walkways, shuttles, and “fast down and out” slides at appropriate locations
[I] One water “stream” for the needs of residents and travelers and for recreation.
[J] Two delivery and pick up networks
[K] Two liquid and solid waste networks."

[image: View of the Lean Linear City proposal with the two linear ribbons connected to a major node]

"Following nature’s example, the design and display of the lean urban ribbon connects existing large and small habitats and helps salvage the land from diaspora while in a sustainable fashion reducing waste, pollution, and social and cultural impoverishment.
At the lower ends of the greenhouse aprons the short skirt of suburbia develops. The ballerina, the orchestra, and the spectators know the skirt must be a tutu; the shorter it is, the better it allows nature’s grace into its brief proximity.
Rigorously contained suburban spread could develop on a fascia no wider than one kilometer, so as to accommodate travel by public transportation, bicycle, and foot. The private automobile would be rigorously confined to auxiliary functions (outings, research, etc.)."

[image: In the foreground we see NUDGING SPACE Arcology with the Lean Linear City in the background]

"One thing we should label correctly is time pollution, i.e., the daily waste of time due to moving things and people from here to there.
The time wasted commuting, for instance, is one of the main time pollutions of affluence and hyper-consumption. Motion implies energy spent, thus commuting is a double slam of time pollution and energy waste, and also threatens the physical and biological well-being of moving organisms.
It offers a less than rosy picture of Homo sapiens as “controller of its own destiny.”

This report continues on 6/2/10.

On Thursday, May 20, 2010, Paolo Soleri visited the bronze bell foundry and the crew assembled a selection of bells for critique.

Paolo stressed that he was not there to impose his views or discipline but did offer some helpful comments.

He discussed the history of the wind-bell operation and basic design, and then examined each bell.

"Very elegant."

"Too many curlicues."

"I have sympathy for that design."

"A little baroque."

"Mmmm."

The occasion called for a group portrait of the foundry crew with Paolo.
[standing from left] Lindsey Marsh, Andy Chao (the foundry manager), Cliff Hersted, Cabiria Dourte and Peter Lindgren.
[seated] Paolo Soleri and [kneeling] Andrew Chisholm.

On May 22 – 23, 2010, the Arizona Highways Travel Show presented an opportunity to learn about Arizona’s attractions, events, and amenities.
The Arcosanti booth kept busy all weekend as visitors asked questions about our very distinctive project.

Arcosanti Public Relations Coordinator Erin Jeffries tells booth visitors about Arcosanti’s tours, Café, windbells, and special events like the Juneteenth Jazz Festival or Italian Night.
Residents Youngsoo Kim and Matteo Di Michele also represented Arcosanti, talking about what makes Arcosanti unlike any other attraction in the state.

From wine tours to gardens, from museums to hiking, tourists received a plethora of information.

Over 100 different booths represented regions throughout the state.
Many Arizona residents came to the show hoping to plan local vacations and trips this year.

Welcome to the May 16., 2010 workshop participants!

[top from left]:
Masato Kurachi from Japan, Wilder Fichter, Logan Graham [scholarship], Craig Shirley, Patrick Thompson and David Wilson.
[middle from left]:
Ryan Fiebing [seminar + 1 week], Joseph Rivera-Ramos [scholarship], Yoonhye Yi from Korea [seminar + 1 week] and Blase Masserant [seminar + 1week].
[front from left]:
Mark Kieser [workshop and planning internship], Jacob Zucker and Jiwon Lee from Korea.
Jacob Zucker is the youngest son of alumnus Jeff Zucker.

On Sunday, May 16, 2010, Arizona RunningEvents Co. and Arcosanti presented the Arcosanti 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. There were 55 runners participating in the 5K and 12 walkers in the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, including many Arcosanti residents.

Runners received t-shirts and were issued a magnetic chip to attach to a shoe to get accurate running times. When the runners crossed the mat at the start/finish line, the chips were activated.
Refreshments, fruit, snacks, water and ice cream were available.
The 5K is a beautiful scenic dirt road course around the Arcosanti site through the Agua Fria River valley. The course was a little over 5K and the running times are for 3.5 miles.
The day was perfect for running: 70 degrees and a little breeze.

A winner! Susan Gordon from Sedona, Arizona was the first place winner for women with a running time of 26:28.
Winners received ceramic wind-bells (the famous bells made at Arcosanti), medallions and gift certificates.

Another happy winner! Matteo Di Michele, another Arcosanti resident, was third place winner in his age group with a running time of 32:55.
Arcosanti plans to host another 5k running event next year. Don't miss it!

On Saturday May 8. 2010, residents, volunteers and workshop participants got together for a baby shower. The expectant parents are Colleen Reckow and Andy Chao.

Colleen came for her workshop in January 2008 and has worked in the Ceramics studio, in the Soleri Archives where she is very much missed, and now works part-time in the Visitors Center – Gallery.
Andy came for his workshop in February 2007 and now manages the Arcosanti bronze foundry.

There was a pot-luck with lots of tasty dishes.

There were games, like guessing the size of Colleen's belly, how many tiny plastic babies in a jar, tasting and guessing a variety of baby foods and there is a pool for the date of birth.

The ceremonial opening of gifts was one of the main events.

There was a garden cart load of presents and MANY MANY GOOD WISHES for Colleen and Andy!

Congratulations to the April 11, 2010 workshop participants upon their graduation!

[from left]: Omar Macias from Mexico [work study + 5-week workshop], Jeanette Rodriguez [5-week workshop] and Jonas Horbach from Germany [5-week workshop].
Also graduating today but not photographed is Caleb Bowman [work study + 5-week workshop].

Continuing the report from 5/12/2010.

At this point, the smooth interior surface is the only part of the planter that is visible. The concrete is allowed to set or "cure" for about ten days.

The silt mold is ready to be removed from the exterior of the planter.

Landscaping manager Ron Chandler is digging out the mold, revealing the previously carved design in relief.

The last bits of clinging silt are washed away.
The simple but sculptural design is uncovered, displaying all of its variations in texture and color.

The next day, Ron Chandler and his crew member skillfully transplant the new occupant of the planter.

The planter is finished.
The pomegranate tree has a beautiful new home and Arcosanti gains another effective demonstration and example of silt-cast concrete, improving the landscape.

We continue our report from 5/7/2010.

Carving of the design is complete and the silt form for the planter is ready for concrete.

Structural reinforcement is still visible in the early stages of the concrete pour.
This artistic but functional project has generated a lot of interest. Spectators and photographers are out in force.

Concrete is applied very carefully. It must be mixed to the right consistency to fit into the carved silt mold without damaging the design.

A lot of hard work and many helpers. You will notice that one of the photographers is now down in the planter with a shovel.

The concrete has been carefully built up and Roger and Ron are finishing the rim of the planter, while Brian is smoothing and leveling the interior surface.

We will complete this report on Friday, May 14. 2010 with the unveiling of the planter.

On May 7, 2010, officials and scholars from the People's Republic of China visited Arcosanti as part of their study of appropriate solutions for China's environmental challenges.

The Chinese visitors attended the Fourth International Forum on Ecological Civilization in California at the Claremont School of Theology's Center for Process Studies.
One of the untold stories of Claremont School of Theology's Center for Process Studies is its amazing influence in China over the past decade, under the label of Constructive Postmodernism. This has been largely due to the leadership of Dr. Zhihe Wang, Dr.Mejun Fan and Dr. John B. Cobb, Jr.

After the two-day conference, the participants traveled to Arcosanti.
The visitors toured the Arcosanti site and attended a meeting with Paolo Soleri. The meeting began with video presentations about Arcosanti and Solare, the Lean Linear City.

Many took this opportunity to question Paolo Soleri about his views of an ecologically advanced urbanscape.

Paolo urged the Chinese to not duplicate the mistakes of the West by adopting the American Dream as the Chinese Dream.

The group was enthusiastic and eager. Paolo Soleri expressed his appreciation for their interest.

Solare is featured in the today@arcosanti reports from 8/5 to 8/14/2009 and 11/27 to 12/14/2009.

Continuing the report from 5/5/2010.

Paolo Soleri has inspected the silt surface and it is ready for design layout and carving. With Paolo are Cosanti Foundation staff Roger Tomalty and landscaping manager Ron Chandler.

Paolo and Roger discuss refinements of the final design.

Paolo improves the plan with an additional design element.

Roger carves the bold pattern into the silt in preparation for casting the concrete.
This continues on May 12, 2010 with a report of the concrete pour and on May 14 with the unveiling of the silt-cast design on the exterior of the planter.

The Landscaping crew, under tutelage of manager Ron Chandler, has worked on a project on the east side of the Ceramics Apse. We posted images of some of the early work on March 24. and 26. 2010.

Weldplates that were cast into the lower side of two silt-cast walls are now welded to weld plates that were cast into the retaining wall.

Here workshop participant Ikue Saitou filled in earth behind the walls.

The crew built a semi-round wooden support frame and covered the inside with a tough plastic tarp. The plan is to cast a large round planter into which the pomegranate tree [in the background] will be replanted

The silt has been built up part way.

In the foreground is a wooden guide that is used to scrape an evenly sloped surface into the silt form for the planter.

Landscape manager Ron Chandler and his crew member Brian Fritz are completing the shape of the silt form.
We continue this on Friday 5/7/10 with a report of Paolo Soleri carving a design into this silt form.

For the second year, students from the Ballet Academy of Phoenix, Arizona and their parents, visited Arcosanti for their "Spring Fling" recital on May 1. 2010.
Part of this years recital also were the Ballet Folklorico Ollin Yoliztli dancers and Master Ballet Academy Dancers, both schools also from Phoenix, AZ.

Ballet Folklorio Ollin Yoliztli Dancers under their Director Ana Bonillo preformed three pieces.
Beautiful costumes and a passionate performance from these young dancers.

This was a georgeous event, the photos speak for themselves.

Ballet Academy of Arizona Dancers, under the direction of Caroline Atkinson, presented Spring Fairies, Umbrella Dancers, Flower Dance, Sailors ...

... Strauss Dancers, Hungarian Dance Grade 1 RAD Exam. And Free Movement Dance Grade 2 RAD Exam.

Master Ballet Academy Dancers under Directors Slawomir and Irena Wosniak danced a variations of Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsair, Paquita, Black Swan, Giselle, and Ocean of Love.
The excellence and passion of the young dancers in this group astonished our photographer into forgetting all about taking photos.