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In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1967 International and Universal Exposition or Expo 67 in Quebec, Canada Post, and renowned architect Moshe Safdie have revealed a celebratory stamp depicting Safdie’s iconic Habitat 67, which was unveiled as the Canadian Pavilion for the world fair.
The housing complex, commissioned by the Canadian government and the city of Montreal, now holds the status as a National Heritage Site and its commemorative stamp is the first of ten to be issued by Canada Post in celebration of the country’s 150th anniversary. Each stamp highlights a key moment in Canada’s history since its centennial in 1967.
Originally conceived as Safdie’s masters thesis project, Habitat 67 was quick to develop a reputation as an architectural and modernist sensation. Only 29 at the time, the Israeli-Canadian architect has since been greatly influential throughout Canada, with projects including National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
The unveiling of the stamp also coincides with Safdie Architects’ Habitat ‘67 vers l’avenir / The Shape of Things to Come, an exhibition of images, drawings, models and renderings from the archives that highlight the history and legacy of Habitat 67, and its impact on Safdie’s international work. More information about the exhibition can be found here.
News via: Safdie Architects.
AD Classics: Habitat 67 / Safdie Architects
Habitat 67, designed by the Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie as the Canadian Pavilion for the World Exposition of 1967, was originally intended as an experimental solution for high-quality housing in dense urban environments. Safdie explored the possibilities of prefabricated modular units to reduce housing costs and allow for a new housing typology that could integrate the qualities of a suburban home into an urban high-rise.
Postage Stamp Architecture
TNT Post, the Dutch postal company has collaborated with the Netherlands Architecture Institute to develop a new line of postage stamps that feature both monumental works and experimental projects. More about the postage stamps, from previous NAI director Aaron Betsky following the break.
