Art, Campus, Features, Music

On a quiet afternoon at Glendale Community College (GCC), a group of curious students, faculty, and staff gathered around an unconventional structure on the northwest side of campus. The building, known as the Soleri Amphitheater, piques the interest of many, not only for its striking appearance but also for the rich history behind its creation. Constructed in 1996, the amphitheater was designed by the renowned architect Paolo Soleri, a visionary passionate about combining architecture with environmental consciousness.

The Soleri Amphitheater’s structure showcases its unique, open-air design. The curvature of the building, its raw concrete texture, and the unusual geometric shapes stand out against GCC’s more traditional architecture. Its design practically screams the creativity of a true visionary.

Unlike most structures, Soleri’s architecture was built from the roof down instead of from the ground up. The amphitheater was designed to consider the earth’s natural contours and the way it interacts with us at a fundamental level. These patterns can be seen across other projects Soleri implemented in Arizona, from a pedestrian bridge and plaza in Scottsdale to Arcosanti, a unique town north of Phoenix that resembles the planet Tatooine from Star Wars (which might actually have been inspired by it).

While it may seem like just an odd building on the outskirts of campus, the Soleri Amphitheater holds significant historical and architectural value. Named after a visionary architect, this unique structure serves as a reminder of Soleri’s effort to inspire future generations to think differently about how buildings interact with both the environment and the community. Through his works, the story of Soleri’s lasting influence on GCC is captured, encouraging us to take a closer look at this hidden gem on our very own campus. Let’s give a cheer for Soleri and the thousands of dedicated workers who made these structures possible, showing that buildings can be functional, environmentally conscious, and aesthetically pleasing all at once!

Author: Iszac Ortega

Iszac is an animation and fine arts major with a passion for creative storytelling and visual expression. An active member of the speech and debate team and former president of the environmental club at GCC, he has honed strong communication and leadership skills. Outside of academics, Iszac enjoys gardening, film, and spending time with his dogs, all of which inspires his artistic endeavors. Iszac is detail-oriented, with a curiosity for exploring the unknown, which fuels his creative pursuits. With a goal to work in the animation entertainment industry, Iszac believes that a writer’s most critical role is to present information clearly and effectively, ensuring that the intended message resonates with the audience.