On April 15, 2019, tragedy struck the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France. A fire broke out in the attic of the more than 800-year-old building. The flames destroyed Notre Dame’s spire and roof and caused major structural damage. It took more than 400 firefighters to extinguish the flames. Investigators still aren’t sure how the fire started. In the aftermath, the country vowed to rebuild the cultural monument. The landmark’s reconstruction has sparked debate among Parisians, architects, and government officials.
Many people, including members of France’s senate, believe architects should restore Notre Dame to look exactly as it did before the fire. They want to preserve the medieval period (5th to 15th century) gothic architecture. They argue that the cathedral is a historical and religious site, and that architects shouldn’t take creative liberties in redesigning a cultural landmark.
Other people believe rebuilding presents an opportunity to give Notre Dame a modern makeover, while keeping many of its medieval elements. France’s prime minister invited architects to submit ideas for the cathedral’s new spire and roof. Many of the proposals suggested ways to update the architecture. For example, one included a spire made of steel and glass, which would allow light into the nave (a church’s central space).
Those who favor a contemporary redesign point out that it would take a great deal of natural resources to rebuild Notre Dame as it was before. About 5,000 oak trees were cut down to construct the cathedral’s ceiling alone! Determined to avoid repeating history, architects are also voicing their concerns about fire safety. The original designs called for wood building materials, which are flammable.
What do you think: Should architects restore Notre Dame to reflect contemporary ideas and concerns?