by Anna Fogel
Source: Habitat 67
In response to a post on the Cube Houses in Rotterdam a few months ago, a reader commented that they reminded her of Habitat 67, another cube-inspired housing project. I decided to look into the concept, design and current status of Habitat 67. The project was initially designed for Expo 67, the 1967 world’s fair in Montreal, where housing was one of the main themes. Moshe Safdie designed Habitat 67 while an architecture student at McGill University.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Although they are visually and architecturally different, I immediately recognized the resemblance the reader had seen between the Cube Houses and Habitat 67. Habitat 67 is a community of 146 homes composed of 354 greyish cubes. It forces us to consider the cube in a new light, much as the Rotterdam Cube Houses do, and to consider the meaning behind the cube as an architectural base. The Cube Houses convey dynamic whimsy in their positioning, whereas Habitat 67 maintains an unconventional pragmatism and stability.
Source: Canadian Architecture Collection (CAC), McGill University
The Cube Houses and Habitat 67 focus on creating a community of cubes, both overlooking ports (Habitat 67 overlooks the Old Port of Montreal, and the Cube Houses overlook the Old Port of Rotterdam). Both complexes focus inwards in many ways, with internal shared common spaces, gardens and walkways, while communicating externally with anyone who passes by.
Source: Habitat 67
Safdie's design offers quality high-density living space. While he also hoped to create a model of affordable housing, high demand has pushed up the price of these homes. Like the Cube Houses, Habitat 67 is still inhabited, and residents continue to adapt it to their lifestyles and needs.
This is part of a collection of featured places from around the world. If you’d like to share photos of a place you find interesting, please add them to the Flickr group or send them to info@thepolisblog.org and we’ll publish your feature. Video and sound recordings are also welcome.
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Source: Habitat 67
In response to a post on the Cube Houses in Rotterdam a few months ago, a reader commented that they reminded her of Habitat 67, another cube-inspired housing project. I decided to look into the concept, design and current status of Habitat 67. The project was initially designed for Expo 67, the 1967 world’s fair in Montreal, where housing was one of the main themes. Moshe Safdie designed Habitat 67 while an architecture student at McGill University.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Although they are visually and architecturally different, I immediately recognized the resemblance the reader had seen between the Cube Houses and Habitat 67. Habitat 67 is a community of 146 homes composed of 354 greyish cubes. It forces us to consider the cube in a new light, much as the Rotterdam Cube Houses do, and to consider the meaning behind the cube as an architectural base. The Cube Houses convey dynamic whimsy in their positioning, whereas Habitat 67 maintains an unconventional pragmatism and stability.
Source: Canadian Architecture Collection (CAC), McGill University
The Cube Houses and Habitat 67 focus on creating a community of cubes, both overlooking ports (Habitat 67 overlooks the Old Port of Montreal, and the Cube Houses overlook the Old Port of Rotterdam). Both complexes focus inwards in many ways, with internal shared common spaces, gardens and walkways, while communicating externally with anyone who passes by.
Source: Habitat 67
Safdie's design offers quality high-density living space. While he also hoped to create a model of affordable housing, high demand has pushed up the price of these homes. Like the Cube Houses, Habitat 67 is still inhabited, and residents continue to adapt it to their lifestyles and needs.
This is part of a collection of featured places from around the world. If you’d like to share photos of a place you find interesting, please add them to the Flickr group or send them to info@thepolisblog.org and we’ll publish your feature. Video and sound recordings are also welcome.
+ share
