Paolo Soleri

Paolo Soleri was an Italian-American architect who was renowned for his visionary designs that merged architecture with ecology. He is famous for designing Arcosanti, a community planned for 5,000 people located outside Phoenix, Arizona. He also founded the Cosanti Foundation, which promotes the sustainability and preservation of natural resources.

Born in Turin, Italy, on June 21, 1919, Soleri was the son of a ceramicist and a teacher. His artistic talent was evident from a young age, and he went on to earn his Ph.D. in architecture from Politecnico di Torino in 1946. Soon after, he moved to the United States to work with legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright at the Taliesin Fellowship.

Soleri's early work received recognition when the Museum of Modern Art acquired and displayed his design for a pedestrian bridge. However, Soleri was unique in his approach to architecture, and his philosophy on design quickly developed into something larger. The environment and ecology were both crucial to him, and he began exploring ideas on fusing the two, creating the concept of "arcology."

Soleri's intellectual curiosity led him to embark on a lifelong journey to explore the relationship between man and nature. He believed that traditional architecture's excessive focus on verticality was a clear indication of its failure in accommodating man's needs in natural habitats. He, therefore, proposed a new approach that aimed to integrate and harmonize human habitats with nature.

Before becoming famous, Soleri faced significant challenges, including opposition to his new approach to architecture. However, he remained steadfast in his vision, and this determination paid off in the end, earning him international recognition as one of the world's most innovative architects.

Soleri married his wife, Corolyn Woods, in 1949 and had two children. He was a devoted family man who believed in the importance of shared experiences and a close-knit family unit.

Soleri's work earned him many admirers, including his friend and mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright, who recognized his potential early on. He was also linked to several other prominent architects and artists who shared his philosophy on architecture and ecology.

Paolo Soleri was an exceptional architect, a visionary, and a pioneer in his field. His legacy continues to inspire many architects and designers around the world, and his vision on arcology continues to shape modern urban planning and design.