Arcosanti was founded by Paolo Soleri in 1970. It is the first thoroughly integrated eco-city effort, which Santi called Arcology (mix of architecture and ecology). The arcology concept proposes a highly integrated and compact three-dimensional urban form that is the opposite of urban sprawl. Arcosanti is planned to be car-free, solar powered and largely food-self-sufficient by intent, though it is only a small fraction of the way toward completion. Today, the population of Arcosanti varies between 50-150 people, based on the number of students and volunteers on the site, but ultimately the town is intended to hold 5000 people. Currently there are 13 major structures on the site, of at most several stories in height, but the master plan envisions a massive complex, called Arcosanti 5000, that would dwarf the current buildings.
Many features are particular to the design and construction of Arcosanti, for example the use of tilt-up concrete panels that are cast in a bed of silt acquired from the surrounding area, which gives the concrete a unique texture and color and helps it blend in with the landscape. Most of the buildings are oriented toward the south to capture the sun's light and heat, but with roof designs that admit the maximum amount of sun in the winter and a minimal amount during the summer.
Arcosanti has succeeded more as an educational project. It has hosted over 6,000 participants over what has been almost 40 years.
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