paolo soleri turns 90

paolo soleri turns 90 image © qaanaaq/adam brock

the father of arcology (relationship between architecture and ecology), paolo soleri, will turn 90 on june 21st. born in turin, italy in 1919, he moved to the united states in 1947, where he currently resides. soleri, whose name means ‘you were the sun’, is best known for his project arcosanti, an eco-friendly city, designed for 5,000 people in arizona. the true significance of the architect is that his birthday falls on the summer solstice, with the sun being a major focal point of the architect’s designs.

a number of celebrations are planned for soleri from june 19-20 at arcosanti, including a reception and proclamation held by the paradise valley town council. on his actual birthday, soleri will be honored in downtown scottsdale, arizona. the event will not only mark his birthday, but also the future soleri bridge and plaza project that is to be built across from the arizona canal near scottsdale and camelback roads on the city’s waterfront.

one part of arcosanti image courtesy the organic architect

the north apse of cosanti photo © jeffrey manta / image courtesy paolo soleri, arcosanti