The Cosanti Foundation | Arcosanti & Cosanti

To inspire a reimagined urbanism that builds resilient and equitable communities sustainably integrated with the natural world.

Founded in 1965, The Cosanti Foundation is an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire a reimagined urbanism that builds resilient and equitable communities sustainably integrated with the natural world. Our vision is a world of equitable communities which improve earth/life balance and do better with less. We pursue this mission and vision at our two flagship locations, Cosanti (in Paradise Valley near Phoenix) and Arcosanti (near Mayer in central Arizona), as well as with projects, programs, and partnerships that hundreds of thousands of people have participated in over the last 57 years, including more than 8000 alumni of our signature multi-week workshop program.

More than 50,000 people visit Cosanti and Arcosanti annually, taking part in one-of-a-kind cultural and experiential education programs. Another 20,000 people follow us across our social media platforms every day. Arcosanti is also home to a year-round multi-generational community of more than 80 residents. Through ongoing experimentation with and application of the principles of arcology (a combination of the words architecture and ecology), we seek to demonstrate a kind of construction and community that offers an alternative to sprawl development and a solution to modern social and environmental crises.

The Cosanti Foundation additionally owns and operates a world-famous bronze and ceramic windbell business, Cosanti Originals. The bells are made by hand onsite at both Cosanti and Arcosanti, and sales of the bells support the ongoing work of the foundation.

Testimonials

"One has to experience it - an alternative way of urban living, a space that evokes ideas for ecological sustainable lifestyle or living."_Nepa Hut

"Go for the quirky architecture. Go for the taste of a different kind of community. But most importantly, go for the bells--Arizona's truly unique gift item. They are a bit expensive but the uniqueness is worth it."_Harold King