23.02.10
I am surprised that the up to date coverage of modernist "green" architecture by firms like MVRDV omits any relevance to the founding father of sustainable community design, Paolo Soleri. His propose, Arcosanti was begun in 1970 in the desert outside of Phoenix, Arizona, and defines a standard that firms like MVRDV now mimic.
Arcosanti is designed according to the concept of arcology (architecture + ecology), developed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. In an arcology, the built and the living interact as organs would in a extraordinarily evolved being. This means many systems work together, with efficient circuit of people and resources, multi-use buildings, and solar assimilation for lighting, heating and cooling.
In this complex, creative conditions, apartments, businesses, production, technology, open stretch, studios, and educational and cultural events are all accessible, while confidentiality is paramount in the overall design. Greenhouses provide gardening order for public and private use, and act as solar collectors for winter fever.
Source: Fast Company