Habitat 67, Asset Upkeep & Masterplan
location: Montreal, Canada
client: S.E.C Habitat 67 Housing Complex
In collaboration with Bao Nguyen, landscape architect
Photos credit : Moshe Safdie website, Archello website, Habitat 67 archives, Habitat 67 website, Archdaily website, Photos by Marc Cramer - Thomas Miau, 3D by iSCAN Expertise Laser 3D, 3D Model by A2 DEsign et aménagement inc. and LAAB Architecture inc., Existing development plan by Uneparcelle et LAAB Architecture inc.
The Challenge
The residential complex of Habitat 67, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie and built between 1965 and 1970 for Expo 67 in Montreal, is an iconic achievement of modern architecture. Designated a "heritage building" by Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications (MCCQ) in 2009, this architectural complex faces challenges related to its age and the scale of the restoration work planned in the coming decades.
To ensure the preservation of this valuable heritage, a thoughtful and well-planned project has been established to seek grants, particularly from the MCCQ. The goal is to support SEC Habitat 67 and its representatives in the development of a conservation report while fostering collective consensus on the urgency of action. This will not only protect the work for the co-owners and enthusiasts of modern heritage, but also ensure its accessibility for future generations of Montrealers.
The Response
In order to ensure the longevity of this heritage asset, a building condition report has been drafted. This document provides a comprehensive assessment of the building's condition, as well as a detailed analysis of its various components. To achieve this, it relies on a survey conducted using a 3D scan, visual inspections, and all the documentation collected between 1965 and 2024. The diagnosis includes observations accompanied by an estimate of projected costs, a prioritization of the interventions to be carried out, as well as an estimation of the lifespan of the components. This report enables the residents of Habitat 67 to better assess the refurbishment work to be considered and the regular maintenance to be ensured.