Students complete a series of workshops dealing with the theory of arcology and principles of design, construction, architecture and ecology. After completion of these courses, they may elect to remain indefinitely as volunteer or paid workers. Some of the permanent residents have lived on the site for 25 years, and the first generation of children is well under way. Architectural Tours Taliesen West, and Arcosanti are all accessible to the public. The one-hour tour is a general introduction to the architectural and aesthetic theories of Frank Lloyd Wright by means of a guided tour of the primary buildings of the complex.
Tours start on the hour in the gift shop.
Self-guided tours are not allowed. Storyboards, photographs and multimedia explain the progress of arcology from theory to practice, as well as the phenomenon of the famous Soleri windbells. Visitors are invited to explore the grounds, though some private buildings are off-limits, including the outdoor foundry where you may be lucky enough to watch the bronze and ceramic windbells being cast. Sales of these bells constitute a major portion of the financing of both the Foundation and Arcosanti. The Foundation is open daily, except major holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm.