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Earth House,
Cosanti : Photo : Cosanti Foundation |
Various structures and models designed and built by Soleri
in early years are considered as historical (and living) "documents"
and deserve national and world-wide recognition. Some of the
early works are nearly a half century old in need of preservation.
Architectural Restorations
The Cosanti Foundations owns
a few structures designed by Soleri and wishes to maintain
the integrity of the historic
significance.
 "Cosanti",
Paradise Valley,
Arizona
Designated as an Arizona Historic Site, Cosanti provides
a unique bio-climatic architectural environment in the desert
South West. Earth House, the oldest building at Cosanti,
built in 1956-58, exemplified the Cosanti structures that
feature many imaginative design elements, reflecting equally
innovative construction techniques.
 "Dome
House", Cave Creek,
Arizona
Registered in the State Register of Historic Places, this
first building Soleri built with his friend Mark Mills
for
Mrs. Woods in 1950, wears an eyeball (glass dome) looking
at the sky capturing the desert ambience while most of
the
building is below ground level.
Model Restorations
Early architectural models were
made with silt which is a unique and effective casting
technique using plastic materials
such as plaster and earth. Some are damaged over time and
need repair.
- Bridges and Dams, plaster
models built in 1960s
- Arcology Projects in
various mediums
- Arcosanti Models of different
design stages
Archival Preservation
One of the
most critical preservation issues facing the Soleri Archives
is to provide a climate-controlled storage facility for
our collections. The paper archives need repair and proper
storage systems.
- Original Drawings (Sketchbooks,
scrolls and loose leaves) All scroll drawings are digitally
photographed
and
catalogued.
4x5 photographic documentation and the conservation of
the drawings are the next steps.
- Original Sculpture
and Crafts (Ceramics, metal and concrete)Metal and ceramic
pieces are in relatively good shape.
- Historic Photographs (prints, transparencies and digi-files) We have 5,000
transparencies and digital images in our
database
- Bibliographical Library: Proper
storage system and database are needed for over 1,000 publications.
- Manuscripts: Numerous unpublished materials (sketchbooks, notebooks,
journals, correspondence, notes, etc.
need proper storage and electronically inscribed.
- Audio/Videos and
Other Electronic Media: Proper storage and data retrieval systems are
needed.
For information about Preservation
Funds, please Contact:Tomiaki Tamura Development Office
@928.632.6230 |
