Arcologies

Arcology is a portmanteau of architecture and ecology used to describe a vision of highly dense, self-contained urban habitats that integrate living, working, and recreational spaces with ecological systems. The aim is to minimize land use, energy use, waste, and transportation needs by combining architecture, urban planning, and environmental design into a single, cohesive system.

The term was popularized by architect Paolo Soleri in the 1960s and 1970s. Soleri proposed that cities could be compact, vertically oriented, and self-sufficient, reducing suburban sprawl and automobile dependence. His writings and designs explored large, arcology-scale structures or clusters that combined housing, industry, commerce, agriculture, and culture within a tightly integrated envelope.

Design principles commonly associated with arcologies include high-density, mixed-use programming; vertical or highly compact forms; passive and active energy systems; water conservation and recycling; on-site food production; and efficient, low-impact transportation within the development. The goal is to create environments that minimize travel, reduce energy losses, and promote sustainable living at a city scale.

Arcosanti in Arizona serves as the best-known real-world prototype of arcology concepts, begun in the 1970s as an experimental community to test integrated architectural and ecological ideas. While larger arcology projects remain largely conceptual or theoretical, the concept has influenced contemporary discussions on sustainable urbanism, resilient design, and the future of dense, self-sufficient cities. Critics note challenges in cost, governance, social inclusivity, and long-term maintenance, arguing that scalability and adaptability are central concerns.