The term Arcology was developed by the visionary Dr. Paolo Soleri, and combines the concepts of architecture and ecology. It is the antithesis of sprawl.

The Arcology is a 3-dimensional cityscape, designed as an living organism, to function in full harmony with the cycles of the earth. Arcologies take full advantage of the sun, wind, rain, and earth in order to work in concert with the vitality of its human occupants.   The Arcology has been aptly defined as a city which is intelligently designed for truly sustainable human habitat.