The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s Modernism + Film program investigates themes in design, engineering, architecture and modern/contemporary art through the lens of film. This month’s film “The Vision of Paolo Soleri: Prophet in the Desert” on the 26th documents the life and work of Italian-born architect Paolo Soleri (1919-2013) and his principal concept ‘arcology,’ which is the idea that architecture can be coherent with ecology. A reception at 6 p.m. with a cash bar and light bites followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. by Matteo Di Michele, the former operations manager of the Cosanti Foundation, will precede the screening.

Film still from “The Vision of Paolo Soleri: Prophet in the Desert.” Photo via bechtler.org, courtesy of Mona Lisa Film Productions

“In nature, as an organism evolves, it increases in complexity and it also becomes a more compact or miniaturized system,” said Soleri, “Similarly a city should function as a living system. Archology, architecture and ecology as one integral process, is capable of demonstrating positive response to the many problems of urban civilization, population, pollution, energy and natural resource depletion, food scarcity and quality of life.”

Soleri came to the United States in 1947 and eventually settled in Arizona where he built Arcosanti, a prototype town for archology. Soleri wanted cities to maximize interaction and accessibility while minimizing the use of energy, raw materials and land. Furthermore, he thought cities should reduce waste and pollution and encourage increased interaction with the natural environment. The film’s director/writer/producer Lisa Scafuro is an architect who befriended Soleri and became one of his mentees. Scafuro showcases Soleri’s call to action toward the built environment and conservation of land, energy and natural resources.

Tickets for Modernism + Film screenings are $10 for non-members, $8 for members and $5 for students with a school I.D. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 704-353-9200 or online.