Montreal's Habitat 67 sees a significant architectural donation

In Montreal, Canada, Habitat 67 was constructed for Expo 67, marking Canada's 100th anniversary. This iconic structure was designed by architect Moshe Safdie, who was still pursuing innovative urban designs. The complex consists of stacked concrete cubes, allowing residents to live in proximity to nature while minimizing urban sprawl. Rochelle Lash, a long-time Montreal resident and owner of unit 226, highlights the unique privacy afforded by its design, which only shares one wall with another unit. Each two-cube setup provides 1,488 square feet of living space, complete with private outdoor terraces. Lash has made various upgrades to her unit, including a curved glass solarium and a heated stone floor in the bathroom, emphasizing the tranquil environment created by the layout of the cubes. The area surrounding Habitat 67 has transformed considerably over the decades, with a notable revitalization in the Sud-Ouest region. Lash's pride for living in a heritage building known worldwide is evident, as she enjoys amenities such as barbequing year-round on her lower terrace amidst landscaped grounds. Safdie, who originally based his practice in the United States, maintained a pied-a-terre at Habitat 67 until he donated his penthouse and professional archive to McGill in 2022, showcasing a lasting legacy in architectural innovation.