The outstanding residential complex «Habitat-67» was built in 1967 in Montreal. The building was designed by architect Moshe Safdie. This project was created for one of the major world exhibitions, Expo‐67, but even today it remains a unique architectural monument and inspires architects, visitors to the city, and its residents.
If you doubted that an apartment building in a densely built‐up area could be comfortable and special, this project will dispel all your doubts. The complex is designed in the Brutalist style. In translation, the name «Habitat» means «living environment», and the concept of the experimental project was to embody the idea of an ideal residential home with optimal living conditions. The building itself was constructed from 354 cubes, which at first glance appear to be a chaotic combination. However, all 146 apartments that are part of the complex differ in area and layout. And this arrangement of sections allows a terrace to be placed for each apartment on the roof of the lower apartment. The unique construction opens up a sea of prospects for local residents. Thanks to the successful placement of the cubes, residents of all apartments enjoy views in three directions. The building is located right by the harbor, and all residents of the complex can admire the stunning landscape.
Thus, the building, which was originally conceived as affordable housing with its own corner of nature on the terrace, has become an outstanding attraction and a world heritage. One can only hope that this fantastic building, created almost 50 years ago, will inspire architects worldwide and that soon affordable housing worldwide can also be classified as architectural monuments.
