Arcology, a word coined by architect Paolo Soleri combining ecology and architecture, is a different way of seeing human life or more precisely the build environment in balance with nature. The purpose of Arcology is to effect the evolution of humanity by developing systems that are more efficient containers for human life.
The idea of Arcology (Architecture + Ecology) is the consideration of Architecture in relation to Ecology and thus hopefully the more enlightened design of cities as well as more comprehensively human habitats in general. The idea is that the modern experience based on sprawl and consumerism has altered the human consciousness and moved us from a strong ecological understanding and rooted in that reality.
Arcology is unique because it forwards a world view that is deeply wedded to evolution and then connects that to architecture theory and design. Part of that process considers that there is a direction to the way the universe has evolved and continues to evolve. Humanity thought its delusional framework of discovering reality has enabled a process of development and evolution which is destructive not only to the ecology but also disrespectful to the process and laws that govern that evolution. This is particularly evident in modern designs and approaches but has been an issue within humanity throughout its development into a series of civilizations.
Key to understanding the core of Arcology is a grasp of the MCD (Miniturization, Complexity, Duration) Hypothesis which Soleri puts forward as a way of seeing miniturization evolve as social systems become more complex over time (Duration.)
Soleri used the Bubble Diagram to illustrate the multiple layers in which we can comprehend reality within the larger universal framework. However the below items have been modified based on my interpretation and perspective:
Political Correctness - The PC culture is a complex myraid of actors in a society driven by self centered vested interests and preconcieved notions of reality.
Historical Fitness - Starting to see the patterns of human dysfunctional which are passed on to us over time. Manifests as the Global consciousness Seed which helps us to transcend our petty sense of ourselves in relation to the vast history and experiences of greater humanity.
Ecological Soundness - a firm grasp of how the world works and our understanding of how we relate and interact with natural systems
Universal Consciousness - emergence of the global
A key concern to Soleri is the loss of our ability to consider how our urban development patterns are adversely affecting both our human and natural commons - the things that sustain us on this planet and which we share collectively with other groups humans locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
At Arcosanti there are weekly School of Thought discussions. They involve the discussion of various topics of relevance to Arcology Theory. It was open to all residents but geared in particular to the workshop program. Each week the discussion focuses on a particular theme or element of Arcology Theory.
The reality of Global Hermitage is that we by allowing ourselves to be misled by mainstream society, squander our life energy on activities and lifestyles that are actually destructive to ourselves and the greater life support systems that we depend upon for our existence. Thus we seek as a group of people who believe in the ideas of Paolo Soleri, to create more effective ways from which to observe reality from a whole systems approach minimizing human impacts by concentrating human populations within urban areas.
An alternative Soleri proposed building a global network of Arcology EcoCities.
Core Concepts of Arcology Theory:
Voluntary Simplicity: By living more frugally, people will reduce consumption of natural resources. Voluntary simplicity is another word for frugality, it simply means minimize and simplify your existence. Voluntary simplicity involves the massive education of people who really have no understanding of the implication of their way of living on the world around them. Such a desire is based on the sense usually held by environmentalists that we in the affluent world consume too much. Modern aesthetics are actually designed to stimulate certain behaviors, which are beneficial to those in power. This is particularly evident as we learn more about ourselves through the social sciences. John Jerde’s massive architectural projects actually seem to be successful because they draw attention to themselves.
Efficient Design: In an Arcology or a sustainable designed city, there will be less need to transport people as compared to a conventionally designed city, because cities will be redesigned to minimize the use of motorized transport systems thus reducing energy use and the overall ecological footprint.
Miniturization is to Soleri an assumption of reality based an observation of natural or cosmic laws. Higher levels of complexity achieved within a smaller, more compressed space—MCD—are a part of an evolutionary process of humanity and the universe.
Crowding is good because it allows people intensively interact in a cultural setting.
Absorb the Linear City by creating Lean Linear Cities/hubs to densify Megapolises using developing mass urban transit corridors such as light rail, subway and high speed rail networks.
Arcosanti was intended to be the "world's first prototype Arcology." It was designed as a operate as a higher density "Urban Laboratory" intended to create the world's first prototype Arcology and to explore the concept of the Arcology as a Lean Alternative in creating ideal container for the evolution of human life according to the Omega Seed Hypothesis. Within the ideal vision of the Arcology Ecocity, the full power of the Urban Effect is harnessed. Using the principles and methodologies for developing Total Recall of the much of what entails the urban effect is a learning process, making the city a center for information, knowledge and wisdom.