Arcology

Arcology is a concept in urban design that combines architecture and ecology to create dense, self-contained habitats intended to minimize ecological impact. The term is credited to Paolo Soleri, who popularized it in the 1960s and 1970s, describing a city or megastructure that houses living, working, and agricultural functions within a compact footprint to reduce land use and travel distances.

Core principles include high-density, mixed-use development, vertical or megastructure forms, walkable neighborhoods, and integrated transit. Arcologies aim to operate like ecological systems, with closed-loop water and waste recycling, on-site energy generation from renewables, and food production such as hydroponics. Design often emphasizes climate-responsive envelopes, modular construction, and automated maintenance.

Arcosanti in central Arizona is the best-known real-world project associated with Soleri’s theories. Begun in the 1970s as an experimental town, it has served as a laboratory for dense, multi-use urban living, though it does not realize Soleri’s full arcology vision. Most discussions of arcology remain theoretical or visionary rather than fully realized.

Critics point to feasibility, cost, and governance challenges, as well as concerns about social stratification in vertically organized communities. Proponents argue arcologies could curb urban sprawl, lower energy use, and increase resilience if designed with inclusive governance, robust maintenance, and equitable access.

Related ideas include vertical cities, eco-cities, and sustainable architecture. The arcology concept continues to influence architectural theory, urban planning debates, and science fiction, which explore both utopian and dystopian possibilities of highly integrated urban life.