In this exhibition “Hampton x Habitat 67: Design for Density”, Hampton University’s third-year undergraduate architecture students explore multi-family housing design with heightened awareness of the global housing crisis, examining how policies and practices in different international contexts shape approaches to density, livability, and community. As a key precedent study, students have investigated Habitat 67, the landmark housing complex designed by Moshe Safdie for the 1967 Montreal Expo. Composed of interlocking prefabricated concrete modules, Habitat 67 pioneered new ideas of high-density urban living that combined the benefits of suburban privacy with the efficiencies of collective housing—an innovation that remains both architecturally significant and a highly desirable place to live today. Building upon this study, the student projects imagine an expansion adjacent to Habitat 67, proposing contemporary interpretations of its ideals through diverse spatial, structural, and environmental strategies. Central to the exhibition is a large-scale site model, which situates the students’ building models within the shared urban context. The site model itself represents a collaborative effort, produced through extensive 3D printing, laser cutting, and meticulous manual craftsmanship—all led by the students. Through this exhibition, Hampton University seeks to showcase both the intellectual rigor and the making culture of its architecture program, while inviting broader conversations about housing, design innovation, and social responsibility in architectural education.
“Hampton x Habitat 67: Design for Density” will be on display from March 2-14, 2026. Join us for a reception on March 4, 2026 from 3-6pm which will feature a panel discussion with students, professional architects, and Hampton University faculty covering topics including but not limited to high-density living & social life, an architect's role in housing crisis, Habitat 67 as precedent, audience Q & A, and more. The panel discussion will begin at 4:15pm.
The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments served and RSVP appreciated at downinggross.org.
Studio instructors: Dr. Sujin Kim and Dr. Luka Hamel-Serenity.
Students: A. Abdul-Haqq; A. Hill; A. Woodyard; C. Bent; C. Black; C. Clark; C. Ellison Metcalfe; C. Hibbert; C. Lane; C. Walker; D. Quadri; D. Washington; E. Osbourne; E. Tello; F. Cadet; H. Ward; J. Brown; J. Bynes; J. Green; J. Oliver; K. Benjamin; K. Brown; K. Donnerson; K. Horton; K. McKinney; K. Ramirez-Martinez; K. Rhodes; K. Taylor; L. Brown; L. Johnson; L. Stevens; M. Fofanah; M. Raimey; M. Steen; M. Willis; N. Anderson; N. Bookman; N. Briggs; S. Smith; T. Constantin; T. McCowan
Hampton University Department of Architecture: https://home.hamptonu.edu/engineering/architecture/