Since the late 1960s, The Cosanti Foundation has been dedicated to influencing the way the built world is created in balance with the natural world. Focused on founder Paolo Soleri’s groundbreaking concept of "arcology" (a blend of architecture and ecology), The Cosanti Foundation strives to advance its fundamental principles in the field of architecture and environmental stewardship today. Overseen by a dynamic Board of Directors, The Cosanti Foundation makes connections to scholars, architects, and environmentalists with its message and mission.

Soleri’s Impact in Arizona

Soleri in the Valley: A Self-Guided Itinerary

Theoretic architect Paolo Soleri was a pioneer of mid-20th century architecture. Revolutionary in his own time and belatedly appreciated in ours, Soleri was influential in shaping how architects view the relationship between built spaces and the environment.

He is best known for Arcosanti, his ambitious experimental community midway between Phoenix and Sedona. Still inhabited today, Arcosanti was intended to be an experiment in ‘arcology,’ Soleri’s philosophy of creating balance between the built and natural environments for the benefit of people and the planet. However, here in the Valley, art aficionados and architecture admirers will find several examples of Soleri’s work to appreciate.

Solstice Park - Soleri Plaza and Bridge

4420 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Built at the waterfront in Old Town Scottsdale in what is now called Solstice Park, a sleek futuristic bridge, the Goldwater Bell, and a primitive-looking grouping of carved concrete monoliths represent Soleri’s stylistic diversity. Envisioned as more than a way of connecting one side of the canal to the other, the gleaming stainless-steel bridge is positioned like a sundial to synchronize with the sun on the summer and winter solstices. At either endpoint of the bridge are semi-circular areas where large cast concrete slabs are positioned on end, as if standing sentry.