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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our weekly Architrivia.
Built in Montreal and designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 was originally constructed as a pavilion for Expo 67, and currently stands as a permanent housing complex. The project was originally conceived for Safdie’s master’s thesis in architecture at McGill Universiy, and became “highly recognized” at the institution. Habitat 67 quickly gained recognition nationally and internationally with the help of Expo 67, as it was praised for its ingenuity and redefinement of urban living. The project also helped build Safdie’s reputation, which launched his career.
Habitat 67 was designed as an experiment in apartment living. Safdie wanted to make housing better and cheaper for the public, by industrializing the building process. He envisioned mass-produced prefabricated modular buildings, which would be delivered to the site to reduce construction time. Dissatisfied with suburban life, and the developing urban life, Safdie planned Habitat 67 with the goal of integrating aspects of suburban homes, such as gardens, privacy, and fresh air, with the density of modern urban apartment living. His plan also included 1,000 housing units with shops and schools, which would revolutionize community life. Unfortunately, when construction started, the project was downsized to 158 units, without the shops or schools, and instead became an expensive apartment building.
Although Safdie promised "For everyone a garden," current condo prices at Habitat 67 can range from the mid $500,000s to around $1,500,000 (CAD), depending on the size of the unit. Even after five decades, Habitat 67 continues to be one of Canada's most distinct buildings, and remains as a proud Montreal landmark.
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