Introduction:

Nudging Space Arcology

The Nudging Space Arcology is variation of Soleri's earlier designed Two Suns. The important design element here is the "Apsedra" which combines two architectural forms, the "Apse" and the "Excedra". One way to visualize this is to picture a halved artichoke whose upper third has been sliced off and its choke removed. Its blades are separated but still remain attached to the lower center.

The "Apsedra" is solar garment architecture with two principal garments. The warm garment is loose and provides shade. While the warm season garment is tight and transparent allowing the suns rays to enter and trap the warm air. The form of the mult-exedra is generated by the intent of putting the sun to work in producing large volumes of space that are tamed versions of the open space. They are tamed in terms of temperature and air movement, and light, thus the physical-climatic side of the Apsedra.

The psychosomatic side is revealed by the influence the curved space has on our relationship with things and people. The Apsedra encourages conviviality by offering a focusing convergence (its center of centers) where awareness and dialoging are enhanced. This in a way goes three dimensional in the apse side of the Apsedra. The semi- spherical curvature of it is a reminder of a very large parasol. This means that the embracing of the Excedra is reinforced by the sheltering of the apse.

Fact Sheet: