Habitat 67 Casestudy: An Architect’s Take on the Ultimate Lego!

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Privacy is a real problem in India. No, I’m not joking. If you live in a tight suburb like me, you’ll know the struggle — shared walls, confronting windows, and those never-ending common balconies. Honestly, it always feels like that grumpy neighborhood aunty is watching you, 24×7.

So, when I got the chance to design a community living project for my architecture thesis, I wanted something open, flexible, and modular. That’s when I stumbled upon the perfect inspiration — Habitat 67 by Moshe Safdie, a bold experiment in modular housing that redefined urban living during Expo 67 in Montreal.

Now, Habitat 67 isn’t your typical apartment block. It’s eventually a lego-like arrangement of 354, stacked prefabricated concrete modules. So, this arrangement creates around 158 unique apartments, and every single one of them gets a private terrace and garden. That’s the dream, right?

So, if you’re an architect, student, or just curious about housing innovations, this Habitat 67 case study will walk you through its plans, sections, and design concepts — everything you need to understand this architectural masterpiece.

Banner Image Credits: By Sylvain Pastor – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21419038 , No changes made, except for the size.

We’ve sprinkled affiliate links to products we genuinely love & endorse from the US Market✅ in this article! Shop like you usually do🛒, only this time you’re also supporting architectural writers📝.

Top Insights

• Habitat 67 is one of the award-winning, mass-housing projects designed by Ar. Moshe Safdie in Montreal, Canada.
• Each of Habitat 67’s building modules was prefabricated with post-tensioned wires, cables, bolts, sealants and anchors.
• The building uses a mix of reinforced concrete, plexiglass, seasoned wood, mild-steel and gel-coated fiberglass for its plans and sections. Find out the details below!

Habitat 67 Case Study Analysis & Fact File:

So, basically, the Habitat started off as Moshe Safdie’s thesis, called “A Case for Life in the City.” He wanted to create a new, interactive living that would bring back that tight-knit village vibe. And, he also wanted to go with the optimistic 1960s – a period when architects and urban planners were experimenting with futuristic housing solutions. So, he came up with repetitive concrete units that could be interlocked and stacked up high. They could fit on any piece of land, no matter how weird it was!

This design won Safdie a gold medal and soon became world-famous as Habitat 67, unveiled at the 1967 World Exposition in Montreal. That year’s Expo theme was “Man and His World,” inspired by French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. And housing took center stage that year. Visitors were fascinated — some even toured Habitat 67 to experience its terraces, stacked units, and neighborhood-like feel firsthand.

Over time, Habitat 67 earned recognition not just as an Expo icon but as a cultural landmark:

• In 2009, the Quebec Minister of Culture honored it with the National Heritage Building Designation for its rich culture & historical significance.
• The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada celebrated its innovative design by awarding it the Prix du XXe Siècle for the Best Building of the 20th Century in 2007.
• Earlier, in 1968, the same institute recognized its architectural excellence with the Massey Medal.

“Personally, I think that living in Habitat 67 is like being part of a close-knit community. The way Safdie planned it with different levels makes sure that everyone has windows and vents, so there’s no feeling of being trapped. Of course, the proximity to neighbors may not suit everyone — but for many, it creates a strong sense of belonging.”

– Ar. Ruchika Deshpande, Founder, Archwhispers.com

Habitat 67 Site Plan & Mapping

Habitat 67 sits on a man-made peninsula in Montreal’s Old Port, along the Saint Lawrence River. This location is not just scenic — it gets pretty chilly westerlies from the Canadian Rockies and softer river breezes from the east too. This eventually creates a unique micro-climate, like a mix of cold and wind-shadow areas on site. 

That’s why the Habitat 67 construction is so interesting – it’s built in a staggered z-shape, which allows the air to flow freely between the different sections, without any fancy dehumidifiers. 

Plus, I think the upper blocks also create a sort of windshield for the lower plazas against the strong river currents that sneak through the riverbank vegetation. Of course, this design also creates pockets where wind turbulence can intensify, especially around sharp corners, but that doesn’t seep in as such. 

Other than that, the Habitat 67 location is pretty much accessible by both local buses & shuttles, especially with Route 777. And if you’re more of a cyclist, you can take a scenic ride along the waterfront from the old port.

Habitat 67 Concept, Drawings, Form & Massing

Basically, Safdie developed Habitat’s massing with Lego. Like, he would stack, swap, and rearrange the modules until the form started making sense as both a sculptural object and a livable community. This mass, comprises three types of units – the single module, the double module and the stacked module. Each one follows a fixed program: family room, sleeping room, recreation, utilities, plus daylight and outdoor space access. Basically, this design approach wasn’t just about looks — it was about rethinking how people could live in dense cities without giving up gardens, light, and air.

Then, as the structure rises to its original 12-storey height, the modules start forming interlocking “L” sections. Thus, every apartment, ranging between 600–1,800 sq. ft., gets its own 225–1,000 sq. ft. rooftop garden or private terrace. This is what makes Habitat 67 special — it looks like stacked concrete boxes, but it feels like a series of sky-homes.

Module Details:

So basically, the building has 158 residences created from 365 construction modules in 15 styles. Homes range from compact one-bedroom units to expansive four-bedroom dwellings, depending on how modules are combined. Each module measures about 12m × 5.3m × 3m (56 sq. m.), connected by 1–8 concrete walls. Safdie’s idea was simple but radical: use repetition + variation to balance community and privacy.

Here’s how the modules break down in practice:

• ~6% of the homes = single-module units.
• ~60% = two-module units (most common).
• ~29% = three-module units.
• ~4% = four-module units.
• 1% = five-module units.
• Plus, one custom mega-unit with 8 modules, designed with extra bedrooms and guest spaces.

Site Features

Habitat 67 isn’t just a cluster of apartments — Safdie planned the site like a miniature city. Some key features include:

• A 3-m high street system along the service and parking areas
• A plastic shingle-covered pedestrian plaza between the bridges and walkways
• Streets, side walks, terraces, tennis courts and children playgrounds on the ground level
• 5100 sq.m of covered parking for 200 local and 76 guest vehicles
• Three separate elevator cores that transition to pedestrian walkways at every fourth floor.

These features eventually reinforce the idea of Habitat 67 as a hybrid between urban infrastructure and residential neighborhood.

Safety & Fire Escape Challenges

The staggered site plan created a few real-world problems. Fire safety is one of the most discussed.

• ❌ Not every unit has a designated fire-escape route or refuge area.
  
• ❌ Terraces double as open spaces, but aren’t always accessible for people with special needs.
  
• ❌ Firefighters can only access certain units with one main ladder, which limits rescue options.
  

Still, Habitat 67 does include multiple exit points, internal staircases, and light wells that help circulation during emergencies. Plus, the complex is fitted with a smoke control system to prevent fire spread across modules.

Habitat 67 Site Plan

As we saw, the Habitat 67 site plan is centered around fixed, zigzag modules that are connected by a network of pedestrian streets and plazas. Some modules have a defined funnel-shaped entryway that feels open and welcoming, while others form tighter, more enclosed pockets with negative space and sharp corners. This contrast eventually gives the site a mix of cozy, intimate areas and wide-open gathering spots.

And trust me, the layout almost resembles an urban village built from blocks from the top.  Like, each unit literally interlocks with another to maximize light, ventilation, and views of the St. Lawrence River. I guess Safdie designed this intentional play of solid and voids to break the monotony of conventional apartment towers.

👉 Take a closer look at the conceptual sketch of the Habitat 67 site plan below.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Safdie didn’t execute the Habitat 67’s design alone? Well, August Komendant, an Estonian and American structural engineer & a pioneer of pre-stressed concrete, helped design the prefabricated containers & assembly on site. 

Habitat 67 Floor Plans & Modular Units

Then, at the Habitat 67 plan level, the architect went all modular. Like, he didn’t use the conventional apartment-block layout, but focused on stacking 354 prefabricated concrete modules, each over 600 square feet. Then, the windows were blocked off to curb noise at the lower levels and street. Also, most of the buffer areas, utilities or service spaces are flanked on one side of the wall, to maximize the free space for the living area. 

But then these modules rose up to 12 stories high eventually. And thus, Habitat 67’s floor plans allowed every unit to enjoy a private terrace or garden space. And since the whole design was modular, designers could replicate them easily, to scale the project on a budget. But yes, the cost of modular production did limit the project expansion later, and sadly, Habitat 67 remained a one-of-a-kind prototype rather than a widely adopted housing model.

But even then, the Habitat 67 floor plans were intentionally designed to create:

• Interconnected pathways: Walkways and bridges created a sense of community while maintaining privacy.
• Variety of living spaces: Units could be combined to form larger homes (1–4 bedrooms).
• Terraced gardens: Every apartment had outdoor space for better livability.

Note that none of the toilet blocks have an external vent. This is to prevent any foul smell or methane leakage in the neighbour’s roof garden. Instead, all these utility services open up into a duct, which has proper vent stack connections and exhausts.

Fun Fact: The windows in Habitat 67’s living rooms don’t open. This choice was made to retain heat by reducing cross ventilation and for the lack of interesting views outside the windows.

Our Analysis of the Habitat 67 Plan

We personally feel that Habitat 67 is nowhere close to the usual high-rise, boxed-in apartment block. In fact, we believe that Safdie’s layout is so creative – just like an offsetting box, like a concrete game of Tetris. And, this wasn’t just for visual drama – it makes sure that just about every apartment grabs its share of sunlight, even on gloomy Montreal mornings. 

Plus, even the modules are set back instead of stacked flush. So, the windows are quite free and ain’t blocked by shred walls. Thus, there’s enough cross-ventilation to feel real breezes inside. 

Also, each block is slightly stepped back. So nearly all of them have their own rooftop garden or private terrace. Thus, residents have enough open space to garden, compost, chill, or just watch the Saint Lawrence River flow by.

So, in short: Habitat 67 handed residents sunlight, fresh air, and private outdoor escapes—without making them flee to the suburbs.

What’s So Special About the Habitat 67 Section?

I feel that the Habitat 67 section is seriously smart when it comes to the weather. Like, Moshe Safdie didn’t just stack concrete boxes randomly — he carefully placed each unit to respond to climate, light, and comfort.

• Morning sunlight: The orientation receives warm eastern sunlight during the morning hours, creating a comfortable public space for residents starting their day.
• Evening light: In the evenings, when people come back home, the sun hits all the balconies and terraces, making them the perfect spot to relax.
• Wind protection: The staggered arrangement of modules shields the plaza and walkways from harsh Canadian winds, dew, and even hail.
• Ventilation and privacy: The sectional design also maximizes natural cross-ventilation and avoids the repetitive monotony of typical apartment blocks.

👉 Below is an example of the Habitat 67 section drawing, which demonstrates how light and air circulate through the interlocking blocks: 

Quick Fact: Habitat 67’s section boasts of a suspension system joined by post-tensioned cords, high tension rods, cables and welding.

Material Board & Selection

Habitat 67, just like other brutalist architecture examples, is a cool mix of pre-cast, reinforced concrete modules, painted in a kinda grayish-beige color They used concrete as the main material to keep the energy and heat in, thanks to its thermal mass.

Besides concrete, you can also observe the following secondary materials in the Habitat 67 interior: 

• Primary material: Precast, modular and reinforced concrete with a raw, textured finish
• Plexiglass (acrylic glass) for the windows and railings
• Gel-coated fibreglass for the single-unit bath and partitions
• Mild steel for railings, door frames and decorative accents
• Rubber or asphalt for waterproofing roofs, terraces and courtyards
• Seasoned wood for the cabinetry and interior finishes in balconies and common areas
• GFRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete) for prefabricated components and bathroom pods
• Wood-like laminate for living and bedroom panels in some modules
• Ceramic or porcelain dado tiles in kitchens and bathrooms

Fun Fact: Do you know that Habitat 67 had mixed reviews at first. Like, some loved it’s visionary, stacked approach, while others complained about the compact, vertical rooms. Even its rentals were high, roughly $330 to $750 a month. Hence, many people couldn’t afford it.

How Was the Habitat 67 Assembled on Site? 

You might be surprised to learn that all the 90-ton modules used to build the Habitat 67 complex were actually made on site! I know, it sounds unbelievable, but it’s true! Let me give you a rundown of the on-site process:

Fun Fact: Did you know that Safdie didn’t execute the Habitat 67’s design alone? Well, August Komendant, an Estonian and American structural engineer & a pioneer of pre-stressed concrete, helped design the prefabricated containers & assembly on site. 

What Can Budding Architects Learn From the Habitat 67 Case Study? 

Habitat 67 is a prime example of brutalist architecture that really brings people together. It’s all about that sense of community, that close-knit vibe, and being in touch with nature. You know, Habitat 67 is not just some ordinary landmark. It’s got this whole historical and cultural significance with personalized and climate-responsive home design solutions!

• Materiality Matters: I feel concrete as a primary material just feels too bulky. It kind of ruins that free-flowing community vibe the architect had in mind. Thankfully, these days, we’ve got plenty of lighter fiber boards, wood or wood cladding, containers, bamboo, ferrocement to choose! 

Architectural Insight: Safdie himself acknowledged in later writings (Beyond Habitat, 1970) that cost and material choices limited the scalability of Habitat 67. Budding architects should learn how material innovation can make modular housing more feasible today.

• Structural Lessons: Habitat 67 could only reach 12 storeys because its structure partially supported the weight. The framing load was carried by the inner walls, stairwells, and courtyards. However, I believe we can now explore the possibility of using stronger materials like polymer composites, carbon fiber, and metal frames to double the height.

• Climate Responsiveness: As for India, I think we can explore new ways to stack such modular dwellings and maximize cross ventilation. Also, I feel the roofs could be slightly tilted to allow rainwater harvesting and solar panel installation for a ‘net-zero’ building.

Practical Relevance: Many Indian cities face both housing shortages and sustainability challenges. So, modular housing with rainwater harvesting and solar integration, could provide replicable low-carbon housing models.

The Restoration Phase

The brutalist Habitat 67 housing complex celebrated its 50th birthday in November 2018. Well, guess what? That makes the structure 56 years old today! So, the Safdie architects decided to do some repair and retrofitting work to make the structure as good as new! 

First, they fixed the water leakage issues by updating the waterproofing and repairing cracked or lifted grout lines. They also replaced the old timber parquet floors to make them easier to walk on without any creaking noises! 

Another goal was to improve the building’s energy efficiency, but it wasn’t easy due to the uneven wall surfaces and flexible building assembly. 

So, the architects came up with a solution: Stone wool! They stripped back the existing concrete walls and applied a smart vapor barrier to prevent moisture and cold air. Finally, all the surfaces were sandwiched between a wood or plasterboard panel of choice.

Moreover, even most residents have restored & personalized their homes over the last 50 years. Like, most of them have modified the wall finishes, flooring or openings, while respecting the site’s importance as a National Heritage Building in Canada. Some others have also put their Habitat 67 apartment on sale. So yes, the overall community has quite an iconic & meaningful setting.

Fun Fact: So, in 2017, the Canada Post released an awesome commemorative stamp featuring Habitat 67 for Expo 67’s 50th birthday bash! How cool is that?

The Impact

Wondering what kind of ripple Habitat 67 created after its debut? It didn’t fade into history—it set off a movement. Those playful, lego-like modules, for example, ignited a global fascination with prefabricated and modular housing. Architects from Tokyo to Barcelona began stacking factory-built units into lively, people-first communities.

And you know what? This idea of stacking homes to carve out gardens-in-the-sky and interconnected terraces carried into the 21st century. Firms like BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) have run with Safdie’s vision, creating “mountain” housing blocks, layered courtyards, and urban homes where no two apartments look alike.

So, the next time you pass a quirky, stacked apartment complex or hear architects talk about “plug-in” living, you’re seeing Habitat 67’s legacy in action. It may have started in Montreal, but its design DNA now stretches across the globe—and it’s still going strong.

Because let’s be honest: who knew Lego dreams could reshape skylines forever?

Critical Reception and Legacy

When it was unveiled in 1967, Habitat 67 was celebrated as a bold vision of the future. However, critics also questioned its cost and scalability. While the concept was innovative, the expense of producing each prefabricated module meant that Habitat 67 could not be easily replicated on a mass scale.

Despite this, Habitat 67 left a lasting mark:

• Inspired later experiments in modular architecture (e.g., Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo).
  
• Became an architectural icon studied in universities worldwide.
  
• Cemented Moshe Safdie’s career as a globally recognized architect.

FAQs

Conclusion

So, this Habitat 67 case study is a perfect example of how architecture goes beyond just bricks and mortar. It’s not just a housing block — it’s a visionary experiment in modular living, where dreams come to life and communities thrive.

All it takes is a little flexibility to arrange the blocks and a sharp understanding of the climate to position the buildings just right — exactly what Moshe Safdie achieved here. His approach shows that, with prefabrication and modular design, you can save costs and unlock endless architectural possibilities. The on-site prefabrication technique used at Habitat 67 remains a lesson for today’s architects and urban planners.

Also, if you’re studying modular housing, pay close attention to how Safdie designed light-filled terraces and interlocking units. Trust me, that’s the very essence of this Habitat 67 analysis.

Hear It Straight From Safdie

If you want to hear directly from the master himself, dive into his interviews:

• Charlie Rose Show — June 27, 1997, and August 22, 2011.
  
• Eleanor Wachtel’s in-depth interview in Queen’s Quarterly (2008, Vol. 115, Issue 2).
  

In these conversations, Safdie reflects on his inspiration, creative process, and vision for modular housing. These firsthand accounts add invaluable experience to understanding Habitat 67.

Recommended Readings on Habitat 67

For readers who want to go deeper, here are some authoritative sources that shaped the project and its analysis:

• Reflections on Nostalgia and Misconceptions in Modern Design (Habitat, 1961).
  
• A Case for City Living — Safdie’s original McGill thesis where he presented the vision for a modular building system.
  
• The Master Plan: Growth, Change, and Repetition — insights on adaptability in architecture.
  
• Habitat 67 — detailed feature in Habitat Journal (1965).
  
• Towards the Development of a Building System (PCI Journal, 1967) — technical breakdown of construction methods.
  
• Habitat: A Post-mortem (RIBA Journal) — post-occupancy review and critique.

And if you are curious to know the iconic architectural concepts behind the Aqua Tower, the Bharat Bhawan Bhopal or even the Jahaz Mahal, then do follow us right away! 

Pin Your Inspiration!

Citations:

• The (Human) Habitat: Humanism, Architecture, and Habitat 67/04 by Cynthia Hammond
• The Original Habitat 67 Project Fact file by Safdie Architects
• Habitat 67 Photos Collection by MIT Libraries.
• ‘Humanising Megascale’: Habitat 67 by Nkemjika C. A. Morah
• Safdie Architects. “Habitat 67.” Safdie Architects. https://www.safdiearchitects.com/projects/habitat-67
• Safdie, Moshe. Beyond Habitat. MIT Press, 1970.
• Expo 67 Official Archives. Government of Canada / Library and Archives Canada. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/expo-67/