More than 50 years after Habitat 67 was built, its principles are finding new life around the world.
Quito Tower (Courtesy of Safdie Architects)
Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie’s career philosophy, “For All, One Garden,” upholds his belief that green spaces, natural light and fresh air are basic human rights. Habitat, the modular housing complex he designed for Expo ’67 in Montreal, was the public debut of this concept. Habitat, an urban community unlike anything seen in Canada, quickly cemented its place in the Montreal landscape; a labyrinth of cubes, glass and gardens on the St. Lawrence River.
Safdie became one of the most prolific and successful architects of the 20th century, bringing his perspective to residences, businesses, and museums around the world.
Habitat 67 (Courtesy of Safdie Architects)
Habitat’s ideals led to a one-year study in 2010 that led to the global expansion of the project. High-density housing complexes were planned for urban centers around the world; the third Habitat-inspired building is scheduled for completion this year. Each location featured environmental, cultural, and even building code differences that affected design and construction while upholding Safdie’s ideal of For Everyone A Garden.
“We need to integrate architecture with nature. That’s a long-term message, ”Safdie said in a short film, Habitat in Nature, produced to explore the principles of his philosophy and celebrate Phase 2 of a Habitat project in China. “It is not one-time, it is not one-shot, and one generation will not achieve it. And Habitat, in a sense, is the seed of a DNA that needs to evolve. “
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Quito Tower (Courtesy of Safdie Architects)
Qorner Tower
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is surrounded by dormant volcanoes and the Andes Mountains. Qorner Tower, overlooking 165.5 acres of lush La Carolina Park, takes full advantage of its relatively small footprint. Scheduled to open this year, it includes undulating stepped terraces to provide sun and shade, creating a “hillside” garden effect. Some units include sliding glass walls to create a seamless indoor and outdoor living, while floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel like you’re living in heaven.
Altair residences
Colombo, Sri Lanka
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The bustling city of Colombo is known for its beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean. This 400-unit complex, which opened in September 2021, includes two buildings that “support” each other with Habitat ’67’s well-known stepped terraces and sunrooms. At 240 meters, it is the tallest building in the country and the first skyscraper in the city. A “sky garden” on the 63rd floor provides a gathering space for residents to share, as well as views of Colombo, Lake Beira (within the city center) and the ocean. Commercial space, a waterfront boardwalk and a public green space complete the complex.
Qinhuangdao (Courtesy of Safdie Architects)
Qinhuangdao Habitat
Qinhuangdao, China
Qinhuangdao, a city of about three million people on China’s northeast coast, is home to the first version of the Habitat extension; Phase 1 was completed in 2017. Here, Safdie’s philosophy became “For all, a view of the sea”. An ordinance that required each unit to have three hours of measured sunlight a day throughout the year presented a directional challenge at first, Safdie explained in Habitat in Nature: No unit could face completely north. Staggering the units and terraces and leaning the buildings solved the problem.
The sixteen-story buildings that house approximately 1,000 are connected via rooftop garden bridges with common services. Lush private terraces and public green spaces spill over the striking ivory and sand colored stone. Large rectangular openings allow the rest of the city to enjoy sea views.
Qinhuangdao (Courtesy of Safdie Architects)
Phase 2, to be completed in 2024, will include two 30-story buildings that will double the capacity to 2,000. “It has been gratifying to see how much residents love using the outdoor spaces,” says Sean Scensor, a partner at Safdie Architects in Boston. Phase 2 includes more gardens, both private and community, as well as landscaped social spaces at the spectacular sky bridges.
This article appears in print in the January 2022 issue of Maclean’s magazine with the headline: “Let there be light, and a lot of light.” Subscribe to the monthly print magazine here.
Reference-www.macleans.ca