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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Habitat 67

Habitat 67 is a housing complex in Montreal, Quebec, designed by architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Habitat 67 is a housing complex in Montreal, Quebec, designed by architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67. It is known for its stacked prefabricated concrete modules and remains a recognized architectural landmark.

What it is

Habitat 67 is a residential complex built from 365 prefabricated concrete modules arranged in stepped clusters, forming 158 residences. Each unit was designed with its own roof garden or private outdoor space, aiming to combine the benefits of suburban homes with apartment living.

Why it matters

The complex was conceived as an experimental model for high-density urban housing, addressing problems of cramped city living. It was built as the Canadian Pavilion for Expo 67 and survived after the exposition, becoming one of the best-known remaining architectural works from that event.

Key details

Located on Cité du Havre along the Saint Lawrence River, Habitat 67 continues to function as private housing. It is regarded as a historically significant example of experimental modular architecture and a major Montreal landmark.

In short

  • Designed by Moshe Safdie for Expo 67 in Montreal.
  • Built from 365 prefabricated modules forming 158 residences.
  • Each residence includes private outdoor space.
  • Remains in residential use as a landmark.
Canadian angle

Habitat 67 is a major Canadian architectural landmark in Montreal and one of the most famous surviving legacies of Expo 67, an event closely associated with Canada’s centennial-era national identity and urban design history.

Quick questions

What is Habitat 67?
Habitat 67 is a residential complex in Montreal designed by Moshe Safdie for Expo 67.
Where is Habitat 67 located?
It is located at Cité du Havre in Montreal, Quebec, on the Saint Lawrence River.
Is Habitat 67 still used as housing?
Yes. It remains in use as a private residential complex.

Sources

  1. ArchDaily — https://www.archdaily.com/404803/ad-classics-habitat-67-moshe-safdie
    Supports: Designed by Moshe Safdie for the Canadian Pavilion at Expo 67; intended as an experimental housing solution.
  2. Safdie Architects — https://www.safdiearchitects.com/projects/habitat-67
    Supports: Module count, number of residences, roof gardens, pedestrian streets, elevator cores, and construction details.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat_67
    Supports: Location in Montreal, Cité du Havre, Expo 67 origin, and status as a landmark.
  4. Tourisme Montréal — https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/revolutionary-montreal-icon-habitat-67
    Supports: Location, Expo 67 origin, and continued prominence as a Montreal icon.
  5. MasterClass — https://www.masterclass.com/articles/habitat-67-history
    Supports: Historical overview, current residential use, and historical monument designation.
  6. Habitat 67 — https://www.habitat67.com/en/
    Supports: Official legacy claims, location, and present-day residential role.