Habitat 67

Expo 67, one of the world’s largest universal expositions was held in Montreal. Within the movement of liberalization and opening to the world characterizing this period, the exposition was entitled “Man and his World” as the title of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s masterpeace. Housing was one of the main themes of Expo 67. Saint-Exupéry wrote: “We have to make lively this new house that doesn’t have a face yet. The truth for one was to build; it is, for the other, to occupy it.” Habitat 67 then became a thematic pavilion invaded by thousands of admiring visitors that came from all around the world, on top of being the temporary residence of many dignitaries passing by Montreal. Habitat 67 was an event in itself at the time. It still is today. This housing complex became not only the “place where to be” for some 146 singles, couples and families which have made it their main residence, but as well a real community of which the style and the quality of life are envied throughout Canada. Habitat 67 is an experience that was revealed as being a spectacular achievement impacting on the collective imaginary and contributing in a significant way to the feeling of pride of the Montrealers. A revolutionary urban housing concept, Habitat '67 modifies the 'single family dwelling' to exist concisely and effortlessly in the high density environment of a city. It was the project by which Moshe Safdie, an architecture student at McGill University in the early 60's, was discovered. Moreover, Habitat 67 is located on an invented peninsula: la “Cité du Havre”. Habitat 67 still shines with brightness, more than 35 years after its creation. It is without a doubt one of the only modern utopias that was materialized by becoming a popular success as well as a “prestigious address”. Its intrinsic genius is indeed praised by both the architectural and the urban planning circles, by the public in general and particularly by its residents. Moshe Safdie continues to sojourn and to give his advice on the renovation projects of the residents in order to keep the architectural integrity, the security and the serenity of the complex.