A look at the plans architects have for Notre-Dame to rise from its ashes
The Background
Since Notre-Dame Cathedral was devastated by a fire in April, many designs have been submitted.
Some have got more and more ridiculous and very far-fetched, including a car park, a swimming pool and a McDonald's.
But some have been incredibly thought provoking including recreating the spire using structural glass to "find the right balance between history and future".
The Big Idea
French president Emmanual Macron has called for "an inventive reconstruction", and following the fire, prime minister Edouard Philippe announced an international competition to design a new spire for the cathedral. He told reporters: "As is often the case in the evolution of heritage, we should endow Notre-Dame with a new spire."
However the French Senate has passed a bill saying Notre-Dame Cathedral must be rebuilt as it was before the fire, which destroyed its roof and spire in April.
Now with this mandate from the French senate will Paris be able to take this opportunity to woo and surprise us all – or will this just surpase and be rebuilt as if nothing ever happened?
What They Did
Architects and designers from around the world have submitted their plans. This is still very much a work in progress, but with the ambition of it to be restored by the time of the Paris Olympics in 2024, I’m sure its outcome will be announced very soon.
My personal favourite so far is by Miysis Studio.
It proposes combining a reconstruction of Notre-Dame's spire with a modern glazed roof and could be rebuilt using both traditional and modern elements.
The glass-covered roof space, which would replace the timber structure known as the Forest, would become a garden for visitors.
The Review
As a creative I love all forms of design and take great interest in it.
I also love London. London is a special city in the fact that it forever changes (when have you not seen a crane in its midst?).
I guess since the atrocities of WW2 and the bombing of the city, London has been able to tear down a building (post-war) and put something better in its place without a blink of the eye; thus is forever growing and changing, making London unique amongst its European brothers and sisters.
Unlike London, Paris very rarely has this architectural freedom and opportunity to do something different. It can’t tear down a building – as it’s Paris!
Yet with this terrible accident, dare Paris surprise us all and do something totally bold and courageous?
It could be exciting and awe inspiring, yet sympathetic to the heritage and values of the city and to the cathedral.
I’m sure whatever the outcome it’ll be controversial for some reason or another; I’m willing it to be something incredible.
Come on Paris!
Photo Credits
Taken from Dezeen.com
Miysis Studio; Notre-Dame with a reconstructed spire and glass roof
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The Pool by Ulf Mejergren Architects
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The Car Park by Yung Yonge and Rob Cross
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Sebastian Errazuriz; launchpad for Notre-Dame
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