Cosanti

Cosanti is the studios of Paolo Soleri, architect, designer, builder, and artist.  His studio has been in this location since 1955 and it's name comes from the combination of two Italian words "cosa" and "anti" which when put together mean "before things".  The complex is designated an Arizona Historical Site and it predates the incorporation of the city of Paradise Valley where it is located.

Paolo Soleri still lives on the site and he is well into his 90's yet he continues to work daily on writings and drawings and the custom bell assemblies as well as his architectural and urban design concepts.  As of last year, he was still visiting his site at Arcosanti in northern Arizona at least once a week.

I visited Cosanti last weekend for the first time and I was taken with the place.  I took many photos that I'll share with you from time to time.  The place blends so well with nature making you feel like every building is as natural as the trees and rocks.  Driving into the place is a magical experience after passing all the large and expensive homes that surround this spot on all sides.  Yet while you are there, none of those places are visible to you and you soon forget you are in the residential heart of Paradise Valley.