A ruggedly beautiful landscape surrounds the private, luxurious Desert Mountain community. Desert Mountain hosts several gated communities, each with unique charm and elegance. These enclaves offer residents a sense of security and exclusivity. Let's explore the architectural landmarks that define this exquisite community. Get ready to be captivated by the architectural wonders and the vibrant lifestyle that awaits in Desert Mountain.
Taliesin West
12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale
Taliesin West is an architectural landmark with historical and cultural significance, proudly holding the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Historic Landmark. This masterpiece, established in 1937, was Frank Lloyd Wright's beloved winter home and is a testament to his genius and deep connection with the desert environment. Taliesin West is among the most personal of Wright's creations, his philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Constructed and maintained by Wright and his apprentices, Taliesin West is a brilliant example of how architecture can blend with its surroundings. The buildings' low-slung profiles mirror the sweeping expanse of the desert. They use "desert masonry" techniques that utilize local rocks set in wooden forms and bound with a cement-desert sand mixture. This approach and canvas roofs and redwood beams further integrate the structure into the desert landscape.
The complex has several facilities, including a drafting studio, dining facilities, three theaters, a workshop, Wright's office, private living quarters, and residences for apprentices and staff. These spaces are connected through a series of walkways, terraces, pools, and gardens, creating a cohesive community that is both functional and inspirational. Wright's commitment to design extends to the interior furniture and decorations, most of which he designed and crafted on-site by apprentices.
Cosanti
6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley
Cosanti, on a five-acre parcel of land, is a monumental site in architecture and sustainable design history. It marks the birthplace of a movement towards integrating sustainable urban landscapes with the natural environment. This venue is listed on the Arizona Registry of Historic Places. It was where architect Paolo Soleri's visionary concepts were forged into reality.
At the heart of Cosanti are Soleri's design studio, residential quarters, craftwork spaces, and the engaging spectacle of a live bronze pour — a process that gives birth to the world-renowned bronze and ceramic windbells, or Cosanti Originals. These artistic creations, including sculptural bell mobiles and sculptures, embody Soleri's pioneering theories on urban design and architectural experimentation, offering a tangible link to his explorative works and philosophies.
Soleri's innovative approach is evident in the "earth-cast" concrete structures that populate the site. These buildings are constructed using a unique technique that involves casting concrete in molds dug from the Earth. This method emphasizes sustainability and allows the structures to blend with their desert surroundings, reflecting Soleri's commitment to harmony between human habitats and the natural world.
Soleri Bridge and Plaza
1187 Beacon St, Brookline
The Soleri Bridge and Plaza is a remarkable pedestrian bridge that doubles as a solar calendar, ingeniously designed to mark solar events with precision. This architectural marvel is specifically aligned to highlight solar noon and the summer and winter solstices, showcasing the blend of art, architecture, and science that defines much of Paolo Soleri's work.
Anchoring the bridge are two towering 64-foot pylons. A six-inch gap Between these pylons is a unique design element; as the Earth rotates, this gap allows a shaft of sunlight to pass through, creating a striking visual effect on the ground below. This feature is a functional solar marker and adds to the bridge's aesthetic and experiential quality.
Situated near Old Town Scottsdale, the Soleri Bridge is a picturesque trail that meanders around the canal. This trail is a peaceful escape that intertwines the beauty of Scottsdale's natural landscape with the thoughtful design of the bridge. The proximity to Old Town also allows easy access to the area's shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts
7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts owes its innovative design to the award-winning architect Will Bruder. This unique space, originally a movie theater, has been masterfully converted by Bruder into a museum that challenges conventional expectations while maintaining functionality and cost-efficiency.
One of the museum's architectural highlights is open exposed rafters throughout the gallery. This design choice creates an illusion of height, making the interior spaces feel much taller than one might assume from the outside, but it also serves a practical purpose. The strength of these rafters allows for a versatile display of artworks, allowing the museum to hang objects nearly anywhere within the gallery spaces.
The Skyspace is in the museum's courtyard and was created by renowned artist James Turrell. This installation is distinguished by a glass scrim wall that encircles it, offering visitors an immersive experience that plays with light and space. Turrell's Skyspace serves as a focal point for contemplation within the museum's outdoor area and exemplifies the museum's commitment to integrating contemporary art with architectural innovation.
Arcosanti
Coolidge Corner Theatre
Arcosanti is a visionary example of sustainable architecture, designed by Paolo Soleri in 1970. This compound showcases the innovative earth casting and slip casting techniques Soleri refined at Cosanti, marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly construction methods. The design principles behind Arcosanti focus on harmonizing architectural elements with the climate, featuring large volumetric spaces that naturally facilitate airflow and cooling.
Envisioned as a self-sustaining community, Arcosanti can house up to 150 residents. It boasts a communal gathering space where the inhabitants convene daily, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Those who choose to live at Arcosanti are typically involved with The Cosanti Foundation, dedicating themselves to a lifestyle intimately connected with nature and the foundation's ideals.
Arcosanti extends an invitation to the public to explore its unique environment. Visitors can tour the compound or stay in one of its guest rooms, available for booking on Airbnb. This openness allows Arcosanti to serve as a living laboratory for sustainable living and architectural innovation, bridging the gap between conceptual ideals and practical, communal living.
Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts
7380 S Second St, Scottsdale
The Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts owes its unique architectural design to Bennie Gonzales. At the time of its design, Scottsdale had stringent height restrictions, which Gonzales ingeniously circumvented by constructing the theater below ground level. This creative solution complied with local regulations and enhanced the venue's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Upon entering the ground floor, visitors are welcomed into a spacious atrium, setting the stage for an immersive cultural experience. The design choice of situating the theater underground has an added benefit — exceptional acoustics. This natural isolation from external noise ensures that every performance is heard in crystal-clear quality, free from the intrusion of the outside world.
The atrium, along with the art galleries housed within the center, is open to the public, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the array of visual arts on display. However, the true essence of the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts is best experienced through its live performances. The intimate setting and superb sound quality make attending a performance in this underground theater a memorable event.
Guiding you home to Desert Mountain
When making Desert Mountain your home, working with Bee & Kathleen Power + ensures an unparalleled real estate experience. They consistently rank as the best Desert Mountain real estate agents and have over 45 years of combined experience. Choosing Bee & Kathleen Power + means choosing peace of mind and the first step toward your dream lifestyle in Desert Mountain.
