Modern proposals have been rejected: Notre Dame will be the same as always
The April 15 last year , both the citizens of Paris and the lovers of the French capital scattered all over the world were dismayed by the fire that took hold of Notre Dame . The roof, as well as the spire of the temple, They collapsed as the flames grew and a cloud of smoke spread through the Ile de la Cite.
The collapse of this part of the most emblematic gothic cathedral in the world , which began to rise 1163 on the banks of the Seine , becoming a cultural symbol and architectural benchmark, led to countless reconstruction proposals being launched at the social networks seeking approval.
The burning cathedral
In May, the French Prime Minister, Édouard Philippe, announced the international architecture competition by which France would select the project that would revive this world heritage gem of his ashes.
Despite the veneration of all the architects and visitors of the world for its imposing vaults, its iconic gargoyles , its wonderful rose windows and its luminous nave, the recreations raised a question that has caused quite a bit of controversy: What if the time has come to give it a modern look?
The different and peculiar designs, made with 3D technology , ranged from a greenhouse below deck to a modern glass roof to more daring ideas such as house a swimming pool in the shape of a cross on the heights or install a luminous needle trying to touch the sky.
If there is one thing that was clear from the start, it is that imagination has no limits.
However, the great dilemma was whether to recover the aspect that Viollet-le-Duc gave to the spire of Notre Dame or if, on the contrary, it should be replaced by one that would be harmoniously integrated and clearly distinguished, following the recommendations of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) , a global non-governmental organization associated with UNESCO.
There will be no changes to the most iconic postcard of the Île de la Cité
Well, after several months assessing which was the most appropriate decision, President Macron affirmed on July 9 , after a meeting of the National Commission for Heritage and Architecture (CNPA), that none of these avant-garde options will be the definitive one, but the original appearance of Notre Dame will be recovered.
The same day, the Minister of Culture, Roselyne Bachelot, had already stated in France Inter that she was emerging "a broad consensus" , both in public opinion and among those responsible for the reconstruction of the cathedral, so that will be carried out in the same way.
To this end, it has been appointed General Jean-Louis Georgelin responsible for managing the reconstruction of the imposing temple, which, as he has assured France Presse, will be done following the project presented by the architect Philippe Villeneuve , who defended giving the cathedral back its old image.
Despite the fact that the works have been paralyzed by the health crisis, it is expected that the process come to an end in 2024 , the year in which the **Olympic Games in Paris will be held. **
One year after the dramatic fire, Macron wanted to thank again to all those who saved it, as well as to all those who are rebuilding it today.
"First, to the firefighters, who acted bravely the night of the fire. Secondly, to the police officers, the agents of the diocese, the Ministry of Culture, the City of Paris, the Civil Security and the Red Cross, who They evacuated the cathedral, secured its surroundings and put the works under cover. says the President of the French Republic in an official statement from the Élysée.
Notre Dame will always be the queen of gothic cathedrals
"To the 340,000 donors from around the world , whose generosity will be the cement of the new splendor of Notre Dame. To the colleagues and all those involved in this exceptional project, who have worked for months on its reconstruction. To our architects, our artisans, our workers, the day laborers what did I just mention and so many apprentices that they will be mobilized”, he concludes.