Paolo Soleri

Genre and ground-breaking architect Paolo Soleri remains relatively unknown outside of architectural circles, but his legacy as an artist, builder and urban theorist is staggering. Narrated by actor-activist Peter Coyote, Aimee Madsen’s documentary takes a close look at Soleri’s origins and lifelong labor of love– the futuristic city of Arcosanti which Soleri sets in the unforgiving desert outside Phoenix, Arizona. Inspiring a near cult-like following rivaled only by the passionate devotees of the architectural giant Frank Lloyd Wright, Soleri’s city continues to grow piece-by-piece long after the death of its creator. Soleri is the most interesting architect you’ve never heard of.

What’s it like to dedicate your life to work that won’t be completed in your lifetime? Fifteen years ago, filmmaker David Licata focused on four projects and the people behind them in an effort to answer this universal question.

The film reveals the inventiveness derived from the dialogue between each artist's practice and the construction of their handmade homes. The results range from the romantic (Hudson River School painter Frederic Church's Olana, framing views of the Catskills to echo his paintings), to the futuristic (Urbanist Paolo Soleri's silt-casted structure Cosanti growing out of experiments in bell making in the Arizona desert). Commentary from cultural critic Alastair Gordon and an original score by Jamie Rudolph help to evoke the spiritual dimension of the locations and argue the case that the intuitive vision of artists can create great architecture.

"This film explores how freedom of speech — including dissent — is afforded to all Americans, and shows freedom of expression in art, music, dance, architecture, and science. The film also emphasizes the importance of the individual’s contribution to the whole of society and demonstrates how a productive and creative society is formed by the open and respectful exchange of ideas. The film was written, produced, and directed by William Greaves" (National Archives).