Concept
The environmental feature of Habitat expresses the architects life-long commitment to
creating salubrious and dignified living environments, by providing every dwelling with at
least one garden (located on the roof-top of an underlying residence).
Habitat 67 developed out of architect Moshe Safdies 1961 thesis design project and report
("A Three-Dimensional Modular Building System" and "A Case for City Living" respectively). The building was
realized as the main pavilion and thematic emblem for the International World Exposition
and its theme, Man and His World, held in Montreal in 1967 (movie). Born of the socialist ideals of
the 1960s, Safdies thesis housing project explored new solutions to urban design challenges
and high-density living. His ideas evolved into a three-part building system which pioneered
the combined use of a three-dimensional urban structure, specific construction techniques
(the prefabrication and mass-production of prototypal modules), and the adaptability of these methods to
various site conditions for construction conceivably around the world (Safdie would later be commissioned to design other 'Habitat' projects in North America and abroad).
The outcome of Safdies thesis explorations, Habitat 67 in essence gives life to these ideas. The design for
Habitat relies on the multiple use of repetitive elements, called boxes or modules, which were arranged
to create 16 differently configured living spaces, for a total of 158 residences within the complex.
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