BABEL IIA

ABSTRACT

In the second half of the 20th century, many architects or architectural groups presented several innovative design proposals in order to find a formal and functional solution to the change of human and society needs, which are also able to adapt to the future. Some of these proposals, named “Megastructures” due to their enormous size and their solid and ultra-densified forms, are often associated with the topic of “Urban Utopia”.
In the same historical period, Paolo Soleri presented his theories about “Arcology”, a neologism coined to define a design process characterized by a close link between architecture and ecology. His arcologies, visually and structurally, could be cataloged among the mega-structural examples, because they present a series of aesthetic characteristics which are very similar to the examples of this macro-category
However, the Italo-American architect affirmed throughout his life that these designs had nothing utopic, although they were enormous and difficult to build (in the historical period in which they were designed); instead, he asserted that they needed to be considered as forerunners of a new way of designing and experiencing the city, based on a greater respect of nature and a better and healthier lifestyle. Moreover, Soleri tried to build one of his arcology in the Arizona desert, a perfect example of those inhospitable/marginal land that he proposed, in his book, to recover and use in the best way possible: I’m talking about the city/arcology named Arcosanti.  
It's been several years now since Soleri died and the project of this arcology is far from being completed. However, Arcosanti is a work-in-progress arcology which represents a considerable Example of those “urban utopias” which tried to go beyond the impossible and became something concrete.
What it would be like to see built an of this arcologies?

How could one feel looking at the birth of such a particular building? 
How could one of these archaeologies be realised?

How could one feel looking at the birth of such a particular building?

Davide Zito