The Architectural Style and the Context of Habitat 67

Briefly, Habitat 67 was designed by an Israeli-Canadian architect, urban designer, theorist, and educator by the name Moshe Safdie1. Habitat 67 was completed in the year 1967 and currently stands in Montreal that is in Canada. It was constructed based on the aspect of efficient utility the main aim being to serve various housing purposes. The significance of the establishment is much visible not only in Canada but in the whole world since architecture is the basis of various living, business, social function, and other economic constructions or basically infrastructure whose state and cost defines social and economic well-being of all2. As discussed in the paper below, the architectural style and the context of Habitat 67 in relation to Expo 67 are the most significant themes that are associated with the iconic Habitat 67.

Steel cages that measure thirty-eight by seventeen feet were used in molding the modules. After this, the modules were cured and the boxes moved to a line of assembly in where windows, electrical component, modular kitchens, mechanical systems, and modular bathrooms were installed4. In addition to the above, the completely prefabricated and identical modules are termed as “boxes”. Again, the boxes are stacked in varying combinations that are connected by the use of steel cables. There are shape and size differences among all the apartments since they are formed using varying proliferation. Each unit has terraces and balconies that are made by the use of the top of a unit below as the base. In a similar way, the base for all terraces that are above is provided by the units6.

These architectural aspects make Habitat 67 a unique city multifamily masterpiece that achieves spaciousness, privacy, and a positive harmony with the surroundings or nature in an urban center that has a dense population (Montreal). Habitat 67 has high-efficiency furnaces that were primarily installed to elevate cost and energy savings in temperatures that are less frigid. Another major architectural aspect of Habitat 67 is the use of different geometrical configurations to stack the concrete boxes. Social change in this time enhanced the emergence of fresh world openness. The Expo 67 that was based on the spirit of openness and liberalization had housing as one of its major themes. The foster this theme, Habitat 67 was established to serve its primary function and which was to serve as a thematic pavilion for Expo 67 that would be admired by numerous visitors from all nations and regions in the globe.

This role was an addition to the second primary function of acting as a temporary residence for numerous dignitaries that visited Montreal for the Expo 67. The exhibition performed architectural prowess emerging from different parts of the world. In simple terms, Habitat 67 was designed for the Expo 67 with the aim of promoting the connection between tenants and homes. The design was meant to illustrate using architecture to improve the feel of ownership of the living space and not improving affordability that is the basis of social housing11. Conclusion More or less, it can be concluded from the discussion above that the architectural style and the context of Habitat 67 in relation to Expo 67 are the most significant themes that are associated with the iconic Habitat 67.