The Habitat 67 (Moshe Safdie) was a major theme of the World Expo 67, one of the world’s largest universal expositions was held in Montreal. 

Design and architectural concept 

          Designed as a simple demonstration, the project was at the forefront of design and construction of prefabricated housing. The cube is the base, the mean and the finality of Habitat 67. The cube is a symbol of stability, wisdom, truth, moral perfection, at the origin itself of our civilization.

354 cubes build up one on the other to form 148 residences.

The whole unites in a gigantic futuristic sculpture with links, pedestrian streets, suspended terraces, aerial spaces, large plazas and monumental elevator pillars that are as many winks and calls to meditation from the environment as well as from the living experience. 

The internal elements of each unit venivnao produced, assembled and installed at the factory, with bathrooms consist of a single unit in polished fiberglass, produced by the Frigidaire kitchens and doors constructed of plastic Geon. 

With view on three sides, each of the fifteen types of houses are open on at least a large garden with pots and planters equipped with irrigation system on the roof of the cube below. The doubling of the walls, ceilings and floors in homes adjacent provides adequate insulation.

The Habitat’s functions 

          As a urban building, the Habitat has different functions combined in residential, commercial and service in order to create viable communities. Each house within Habitat is therefore a separate house recognizable in space.

On each level the houses are served by pedestrian streets that lead to external play areas for children in many places arranged throughout the building. Parking for all residents is covered, while the outdoor parking for visitors is discovered. On ground floor are located various shops.

Habitat 67’s architect wanted to offer a “fragment of paradise to everyone”.

The Habitat 67's page.