Habitat 67 stacks 354 prefabs that get urban/suburban balance

Habitat 67 was a 1960s experiment in dense, downtown housing that tried to combine the best of urban and suburban living. Architect Moshe Safdie wanted to integrate the qualities of a suburban home- the access to nature and views- into a high-rise. Built for the 1967 World's Fair, Habitat 67 was also a prototype of an affordable "3D modular building system" that he hoped would “reinvent the apartment building”.

“Habitat 67 comprises 354 identical, prefabricated concrete forms arranged in various combinations, reaching up to 12 stories in height. Together these units create 146 residences of varying sizes and configurations, each formed from one to eight linked concrete units. The complex originally contained 158 apartments, but several apartments have since been joined to create larger units, reducing the total number. Each unit is connected to at least one private terrace, which can range from approximately 20 to 90 square metres (225 to 1,000 sq ft) in size.” - Wikipedia

Originally, Safdie had aimed to create an affordable prefab system, but given the experimental nature of the project, costs reached approximately C$140,000 per unit (pricey for the 1960s). Today, the apartment owners all own shares in the building. Long-time resident George Boynton helped instigate changing the status of the complex from government-owned apartment building to a private Limited Partnership Complex. He gave us a tour of the 10-story building and a walk-through of Mosha Safdie’s newly-renovated apartment.

[truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb]

The principle was to show how cheaper living units could be used in the future. 52 years later, they are some of the most expensive housing in Montréal.

[renatedebruyn]

I grew up in Montreal and remember Habitat 67. This complex was and is spectacular. The suites, which were open for viewing during Expo 67 have gorgeous floor plans and views. It was meant to be a prototype for large scale affordable housing but wound up being the opposite ... it's one of a kind and very expensive. ❤️

[ricpic]

The one thing not mentioned is that this way of building apartments makes each apartment as close to a free standing house as possible. In the sense that so few walls (or possibly no walls) are shared with your neighbor. No neighbor overhead. No neighbor underfoot. I was waiting for the martinet conducting the tour to mention that, but nothing. The single most important aspect of this project, that an apartment dweller can escape the through the wall sounds of other apartment dwellers, not a word about that.

[nabeelkhan]

As an architect i salute the daring team of structure engineers who made it possible. It is such a complex design. Hats off.

[youzzername]

My dad stayed at Habitat while working the Ontario pavilion at Expo67. I got to stay one weekend and as a ten year old at the time I was wonderstruck by the place. I thought it was so futuristic looking. It is such an iconic landmark I'm happy that it survives.

[brucecggallagher]

Thank you, Kirsten. This episode was a real flashback for me. I was eighteen years old and living in Ottawa, Ontario and I took the bus to Montreal for Expo 67 at least three times. I vividly remember going into and walking through Habitat 67 as I had an interest in architecture. Wonderful times. Thank you.

[splat]

As a maintenance tech for an apartment building this place would drive me crazy

[johncolquhoun]

Think after a few beers you would never find your apartment.

[jonchalk]

I always wanted to see Habitat 67. I finally got to see what it looks like in the modules after all these years. The design is amazing. Almost timeless (except for the interior). The exterior has really aged quite a bit since I have last seen it in 1986 from afar. It is quite clear to see that when it was designed, handicapped access was not a priority at all. Not even for elderly residents. Though all those stairs must be good exercise. Moshe Safdie also designed the Ford Theatre in Vancouver as well as the Central Library Branch, which is just across the street from the theatre.


I enjoyed watching this video. It fulfilled my curiosity about the building and the interior of the modules. The views are extraordinary. It kind of feels like a living architectural museum.

[sydney]

I remember being in grade school when this was built for Expo 67 and reading about it in our "Weekly Reader". It amazed me back then and I still find it amazing today. I only wish we would have been given a view of what one of the units that is currently being lived in to show the human touch. Thanks for sharing.

[jm]

I went with my family from Pennsylvania to Expo 67.
I was 12.
All we wanted to do was go to habitat. (NOT La Ronde)
I vaguely recall we took a Hovercraft ride from the main Expo to Habitat.
After seeing this I was a bit like Dorothy and there was no returning to I saw Canada there was no returning to Kansas.


To find out another country was a 7 hour drive from the Quaker cornfields I knew in French was lit' like a rocket.
I became an exchange student to France at 15, graduated a Pennsylvania High School by 18 and in Australia for tertiary education right after.
I have not lived in the USA since.


My push out of the cornfield came from the extraordinary experience of Expo 67, Habitat and Montreal.

[cloudywthachanceofranbow]

I wish this guy was a part of my family. Really passionate.. inspiring.

[greatboniwanker]

It took me ten minutes just to get through the first two of beautiful angles and shots. I kept stopping and staring - seriously. And then the narration began with wonderful explanations and oh! such fascination I cannot express clearly!

[splint]

The entire complex needs to be cleaned with a high pressure water washer.

[wirelesmike]

There's just something about the look of that place. I love it. It seems more modern than most of the modern buildings built today. It's a shame that there aren't more places like it.

[kninjaknitter]

I wish we could have seen one that was currently occupied. Very cool place!

[solangethompson]

OMG this is just beautiful architecture- and I say YES, it should be replicated- as housing solutions for nowadays- Thanks for showing- I'm just blown away.

[greenbrain]

Immigrating from Holland in 1973, This complex was the first thing I remember seeing of Montreal as our boat coasted in to the harbour.

[mannydelacruz]

Kirsten Dirksen I love love love this YouTube channel it brings me so much peace

[Timp]

I like the simplicity of the interior and at the same time the clever ventilation system: yes from outside it's ugly but at the same time the apartments have a lot of light and the structure is well ventilated; it's essential to preserve the concrete. I bet they are pretty cold during the winter but we are talking about the '60's if today you use double glazing windows and insulate the concrete outside it will be much more efficient and perhaps with some modern colour palette it will be much better looking an addition of cascade of plants will made it look more green instead of a bunch of concrete boxes. Pity the modules are been used only for one project: if it was repeated it will be more cost effective.