Arcology is a term coined from the fusion of the words architecture and ecology. The concept of arcology was pioneered by Paolo Soleri, an Italian architect. Arcologies are gigantic hyperstructures (habitats) or megacities that are self-contained cities that contain very high population densities. The main purpose of an arcology is to minimize the environmental impact caused by humans and help to solve the problem of overpopulation. The structures would contain their own commercial and residential facilities which would allow them to conserve on energy, land and resources.

An arcology’s multi-use design puts public spaces, working and living all within easy walking distance. Walking would be the major mode of transportation, eliminating the space and energy needed for driving and automobiles. Passive solar techniques would be implemented to reduce energy usage such as lighting, heating and cooling. Arcologies would have agriculture located near the cities to make food distribution systems efficient. Arcological structures sometimes practice autarky which is a complete independence from the outside world. An individual would have no need to leave the arcology for anything during his or her lifetime due to the fact that the arcology would be economically self-sufficient and self-contained. The overall goal of an arcology is to offer an efficient alternative to the waste and hyper consumption of current lifestyles and introduce a more energy efficient, environmental friendly and intelligent city design.

There have been many arcologies proposed but so far one have never been completely built. The concept has also been used in science fiction such as Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven’s Oath of Fealty or in video games like Escape Velocity Nova, SimCity 2000, Call to Power II, Deus Ex, and Mass Effect.

Arcology was first mentioned in HG Wells’ 1899 novel, “When the Sleeper Wakes.” William Hope Hodgson provided an in depth description of the design principles of arcology in The Night Land which was published in 1912. In Night Land, Hodgson visualizes structures that have a complete artificial ecology, public transportation and agriculture. J.G. Ballard’s novel High Rise, published in 1975, features a self-contained building that operates similarly to an arcology.

There are some urban projects and cities that do reflect some of the characteristics of arcology. Pedestrian systems like the Minneapolis Skyway or +15 in Calgary are examples of systems based on arcology principles as they are self-contained structures that connect with supermarkets, entertainment complexes and shopping malls. Co-op City in New York provides many on-site services, following some arcology principles. Even the strip in Las Vegas exhibits some characteristics of an arcology. Many of the large casino resorts are interconnected via footbridges, tunnels and monorails. Scientific research stations such as the McMurdo Station and others in Antarctica are close approximations of an arcology as they are self-sufficient, technologically-advanced communities.

There is an experimental town which is currently under construction in Arizona called Arcosanti. The town was designed by Paolo Soleri. Other cities have proposed arcology projects that would adhere to the design principles found in arcology including Tokyo and Dongtan in nearby Shanghai, China.  Both projects are awaiting funding.

Arcosanti

Dongtan