Urban Arcology

Abstract

This thesis is a study into an urban Arcology on the East Bank of the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities, MN. It will explore ideas of Utopia and the ideal that architects attempt to realize each time he/she designs. In reality, the “ideal” changes according to what the designer values over time. This thesis will explore the ideal as a vision to create a Utopian community with in an existing urban context. The theory of Arcology set forth by Paolo Soleri answers this question. Arcology is a joining of ecological principles and architecture, which is joining of culture, place, and technology.