Habitat 67 was designed by Moshe Safdie as the Canadian Pavilion for the 1967 Expo 67 in Canada. It was not initially realized. However, the special attention it received and the fact that it was the winner of the Expo led to its construction.
Let’s examine this futuristic structure together…
Habitat 67 History and Architecture
Habitat 67 is a building in Montreal, designed by Moshe Safdie to provide a modular solution to the problem of high-density housing.
In Habitat 67, the first building of his career, Safdie used prefabricated modular units to reduce housing costs as much as possible and create a new living space. Safdie’s concept for this living space is to provide the same spaciousness here in the city without sacrificing the quality of life of the spacious houses outside the city.
Habitat 67 was inspired by Metabolism, an innovative architectural movement in Japan after the Second World War. According to Metabolism, buildings should be designed like organic, living beings.
By placing ‘concrete boxes’ in different geometric forms, Safdie has created a new architectural language in contrast to the traditional vertically rising buildings. In this way, the roof of each apartment serves as a garden for another apartment. In addition, fresh air circulates through each apartment and each apartment receives natural light.
Safdie designed Habitat 67 based on the ideas in his thesis project, “3D Modular Building System” written in 1961. Safdie built on the original ideas in his thesis with a building system that included shopping centers, a school and 1,000 housing units, submitting his project to Expo 67 two years after graduation. At the 1967 Montreal Expo, it was hailed worldwide as a “fantastic experiment” and construction began.Safdie’s scheme was accepted by the Canadian Government, but the number of housing units was reduced to 158. The project is characterized by the use of prefabricated modular apartments that redefine urban living. Although there have been many debates about this structure that reinvented apartment living, Habitat 67 remains a symbol of its era even today.
Habitat 67 Building System
Habitat 67 successfully and clearly captures a unity with its internal connections, pedestrian pathways, suspended terraces, air gaps, skylights at different angles, large walking areas and elevator columns. The building is based on prefabricated concrete modules stacked on top of each other and arranged in various combinations.
These systems that make up the structure were constructed on site. The basic modules that make up the units were produced by pouring them into a lattice formwork. Then, electrical and mechanical installations, insulation and windows were added to this concrete box. Finally, the kitchen and wet areas were placed inside the unit, the apartment was finalized and lifted with the help of a crane and placed in its place on the Habitat fabric.
In the construction of Habitat, prefabricated systems were preferred to minimize the cost of construction. The units were produced with less money spent to create economical and livable homes.
The height of the module blocks is up to 12 meters. In total, the building was built as 354 modules and 158 apartments, but some of the modules were added to each other to make larger residences, and today it serves as 146 residences. Each module has a terrace of 20-90 m² on top.
Habitat 67 has been a very strong structure in terms of landscape. The superior landscaping, the space and fullness created by the architecture and the lights of the city, the silhouettes of the bridges and the river air offer a unique panorama. The building is among the most preferred buildings in the world for professional photo shoots.
Awards Won
- National Heritage Building, Quebec Ministry of Culture 2009
- Prix du XXe Siècle, Best Building of the 20th Century, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 2007
- Massey Medal, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 1968
- Expo 67, 1967
My Thoughts on Habitat 67
The project of concrete blocks coming to life, lining up on top of each other and bringing a living space to life, although it looks very artificial in concept, has proved otherwise in a way that cannot be reasoned with its successful implementation. It is one of the structures that best conveys the harmony and integration of reinforced concrete and nature. Undoubtedly, long planning and calculations lie behind the creation of this feeling.
What do you think about Habitat 67? Do you think it is a good idea to harmonize with nature and minimize the housing structure in this way? Is there anything wrong with its structure and transparency? If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can read our review of Glass House by clicking here.
Architect: Moshe Safdie
Architectural Style: Modern Architecture
Year: 1967
Location: Montreal, Canada