Moshe Safdie is an Israeli‑Canadian architect, urban designer, educator, theorist, and author best known for designing Habitat 67 in Montreal, a landmark model housing complex that exemplifies his geometric style of dramatic curves, angles, and thoughtfully arranged open and green spaces.
Early Days
Born while his family resided in Haifa, Safdie moved to Montreal with them in 1953. He earned his degree from McGill University in 1961 and then apprenticed under the renowned architect Louis Kahn before launching his own practice.
Fun Facts
After completing Habitat 67, he relocated to Jerusalem where he opened a branch office in 1970, working on notable projects such as Yad Vashem and Mamilla Mall. His nephew, Dov Charney, later founded the apparel brand American Apparel.
Family Life
Safdie married Nina Nusynowicz in 1959; they had a daughter and a son together. He remarried photographer Michal Ronnen in 1981, with whom he had two daughters.
Collaborations With
Safdie’s early apprenticeship with Louis Kahn shaped his modernist approach, which he carried forward alongside influences from Frank Lloyd Wright. His later Jerusalem projects brought him into collaboration with local heritage and urban planning organizations.