Notre-Dame's most bizarre and original reconstruction projects, from roof garden to spire made of light or glass

The great fire that destroyed the medieval roof and nineteenth-century spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has had the side effect of unleashing the imagination of architects around the world, who have imagined the most bizarre and original reconstruction projects. Of course, it is almost certain that none of these will see the light of day, since the intention of the French authorities is to launch a major international architectural competition. However, these are ideas that have the merit of making people discuss the future of the Cathedral. Let us look at the ones that have caused the most stir.

1. A roof made of glass and steel
British architect Norman Foster envisioned a glass and steel roof, completely transparent, to let in natural light to illuminate the space. In addition, a spire also made of glass would replace the one at Viollet-le-Duc, which was destroyed in the fire, and would also have a viewing terrace such that Paris could be seen from above.

2. A steel structure with an elevated walkway
Dijon-based architecture firm Godart + Roussel envisioned a contemporary design with a steel structure, glass roof panels, and an elevated walkway under the new vaults. A project that “will never be done,” the architects said, but the hope is that the image they envisioned will allow us to question what form the new Notre-Dame will take.

3. A greenhouse instead of a roof
Robert Cossette, an executive at the biotechnology company NRC Bio Innovation, fantasizes about a greenhouse in place of the roof: “the time has come for the vegetable,” he wrote in the image of his design. “There could be plants inside this modern natural space. This lightweight structure would be without fire risk, quick to build, and no tree felling.”

4. A very tall glass spire
Architect Alexandre Chassang believes that architecture “should represent our age,” and he opened the debate by presenting a very tall glass spire to replace the one at Viollet-le-Duc that was destroyed in the flames.

5. A roof garden instead of a roof
Among the most discussed images is that of architect Marc Carbonare, who wonders why the roof should be rebuilt identical to the way it was before it was destroyed: thus, his proposal centers on a roof garden in place of the roof, a solution that he believes would allow for “evolution,” a symbolic action toward the planet and also an incentive for tourism.

6. A spire made of light
Lastly, graphic designer Anthony Séjourné proposes a radically different solution: a spire built by luminous spotlights and thus made of light passing through the sky.

Notre-Dame's most bizarre and original reconstruction projects, from roof garden to spire made of light or glass

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