Extended architecture
Introduction
Arcology[1][2] is a type of architecture based on large-dimensional structures that allow for a high-density, compact, integrated urban design, with low ecological impact and high efficiency in the use of resources, as opposed to the unlimited expansion of current cities over the territory.[3]
The term comes from the fusion of "architecture" and "ecology." It was introduced by Paolo Soleri.
Similar real projects
Arcosanti is an experimental town under construction in central Arizona. Designed by Paolo Soleri, its primary purpose is to demonstrate the principles of arcology.
Many cities around the world have proposed projects that adhere to the design principles of the arcology concept, such as Tokyo and Dongtan, near Shanghai.[4] The first phase of Dongtan is scheduled to open in 2010.
Certain cities and urban projects exhibit some characteristics that reflect the design principles of arcology. Pedestrian connection systems, such as the +15" system in suburban Calgary, or the Minneapolis Skyway System are examples. They are self-contained devices, with interconnected supermarkets, retail and entertainment complexes. The +15 is the largest pedestrian skywalk system with a total length of 16 km, and Minneapolis has the longest continuous system, at 13 km in length. Seward's Success") in Alaska was planned but never built. It would have been a small town outside of Anchorage. Co-op City") in New York's Bronx is another example, with many services provided on-site.
The Las Vegas Strip exhibits arcology-inspired design features. Most major casino resorts are connected by tunnels, pedestrian bridges and monorails. It is possible to travel from Mandalay Bay in the south to the Las Vegas Convention Center Strip, 5 km to the north, without using streets. In many cases, it is possible to move between many different casinos without having to go outside.
The United States Antarctic Program's McMurdo Base and other scientific research stations on the continent of Antarctica may more closely approximate the conception of an arcology as a technologically advanced and self-sufficient human community. Although not entirely self-sufficient (the US Army's "Operation Deep Freeze" resupply effort consumes 30.3 million liters of fuel and 5,000 tons of supplies and equipment annually[5], the base has a very insular character as necessary protection in an extremely harsh environment, being geographically isolated from conventional support networks, and must avoid damage to the surrounding Antarctic ecosystem due to the Treaty's Environmental Protection Protocol). Antarctic The base generates electricity with its own generator, and grows fruits and vegetables in a hydroponic greenhouse, mainly for limited use in winter, when resupply is non-existent. The base is also supplied with a full range of living and recreational items for the approximately 3,000 scientific and support personnel who visit each year.