Safdie Architects is the eponymous firm of architect Moshe Safdie, a visionary who was born in Israel and grew up in Canada, but who has transcended any sole nationality to leave an indelible mark on the world.
Throughout his career, Safdie has designed innovative structures on three continents. His design approach is driven by six core philosophies, including Responding to the Essence of Place. In Safdie’s words, “our solutions evolve in response to the context that defines a place – local and regional characteristics of landscape, climate, cultural heritage and contemporary life. On Singapore’s waterfront, Marina Bay Sands Resort has been lauded by the international press as a daring and awesome feat of architecture. The Holocaust History Museum in Jerusalem lends solemn dignity to a compelling historical event. And in the United States, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts rises to the level of creativity and art seen inside the building.
In Canada, Safdie’s most recognizable works include the National Gallery of Canada, Vancouver Library Square, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the newly updated Terminal 1 at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and of course, Habitat ’67, the central feature of the World’s Fair in 1967 and a 20th century icon of utopian living. According to a recent CBC profile on Safdie, “millions of Canadians experience the power of his architecture daily.” And now with Monde, even more will be able to include a piece of his visionary design into the folds of their everyday home life.
Monde is a reflection of Safdie’s forty plus years of experience in architectural design. He has incorporated the best practices and principles of his craft, creating buildings that celebrate the unique character of their surrounding neighbourhood, while appearing as if they belong. “Architecture is there for decades to come,” Safdie reflects, “It affects the lives of people directly. It comes with an extraordinary responsibility.” It’s a responsibility that Safdie takes seriously, creating, with Monde, a building that will remain timeless for years to come.
