Arcosanti is an alternative, experimental construction project in central Arizona. It is built based on architect Paolo Soleri's theory of Arcology, which blends architecture and ecology to create a pedestrian city in response to problems created by urban sprawl. Well known for its community, architecture, and setting, Arcosanti is a project of the Cosanti Foundation, a nonprofit educational foundation. As a construction site, our goal is to experiment with arcology design as a demonstration project. The main goal of Arcology is to create a complex, three-dimensional, energy efficient, pedestrian development where living, working, social, commercial, industrial, arts, and natural spaces are accessible within a short, walkable distance. The result is a huge savings in natural resources, especially from transportation, heating/cooling, and land use.

Today Arcosanti is an educational organization that has had over 6,000 people of all backgrounds participate in its workshop programs. All of our residents, volunteers, and interns join through our five-week workshops. People of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels, and lifestyles are welcome at Arcosanti; there is no religion or communal lifestyle that must be followed.

After successfully completing a five-week workshop, you have the option to become a resident or volunteer. We offer many areas of interest including construction, planning, bronze foundry, ceramics, facilities maintenance, cafe, landscaping, archives, organic agriculture, and other areas.

Please come visit! We host about 50,000 visitors annually. Guided tours are available several times per day. Our Gallery and Visitor's Center are open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. every day (closed on major holidays). Cafe and bakery hours are variable. Overnight accommodations are available by reservation; call 928-632-7135. Please see our website for special events.