Since the devastating fire accident at Notre Dame, modern architects started proposing various ideas on restoring a historic building. Most of them agreed that the building shouldn't be restored and remind of the same old design but display modern time. Therefore, some unique ideas such as using contemporary glass roofs, steel spire, or even a minaret were announced.
The leading professionals in architecture are usually skeptical about restoring old and damaged buildings in styles predating old designs. Their vision is to create new ideas and implement them in life. For example, they believe that glass roofs will add a nice touch and make the whole building of Notre Dame look contemporary still holding the history and the atmosphere.
One Harvard architecture historian shared his opinion on the matter and said that he believes that the burning of a building felt like an act of liberation. Modern architects pushing for using constructions similar to domestic glass roofs that are used for making a roof in a house. They say that it will refresh the look of the building, make residents and visitors of Paris look at the famous cathedral differently. By adding modern details, an old building can still remain historic but display modern culture. The leading designer believes that a combination of old and contemporary styles looks unique, therefore, attracts more.
The famous architect Lord Norman Foster from the UK suggests topping the ancient cathedral with flat glass roofs as well as glass and steel spire. He believes that the building will still hold the spirit, its history but will perfectly fit in modern time. Another British architect Ian Ritchie who created Ian Ritchie Architects in London and co-founded the design engineering firm Rice Francis Ritchie in Paris supported the idea of using glass that will reflect the sky and make the whole building suit the 21st century.
French President Emmanuel Macron initially agreed with the inventive glass roofs design, however, local architects that are in charge of the restoration suggested that the cathedral should be rebuilt in an identical way. They believe that refresh glass roofs can't be used for restoration since it compromises the original idea.
We just have to wait and see how a restored Notre Dame will look and what design will decorate this amazing historical building. Shared ideas and suggestions on making the cathedral look newer, more modern and represent modern time seem to be liked by more and more residents of Paris and France in general. We are living in the 21st century and almost everyone has an open mind to accept the idea of having modern details in a restored building that was built back in 1345.
Structural glass, glazing bars, and carbon fibre spire can become new details of the cathedral that will decorate it and make it look prettier. Nearly $1 billion has been raised for restoration and the donations, are still coming. While the funding grows, the debate over how an old cathedral should look don't stop. Will it look similar to the original design or have clear signs of evolution? We have to wait and see the first signs of restoration ourselves or by following the news on this topic and maybe glass roofs of Notre Dame will soon become visible.
What is really good about using new materials is that fire structural glass roofs will not burn, therefore, it's considered a much safer material for restoring the building that has already been burned one time. The new look of the building is not the only one concern. Politics, funding, historic preservation, as well as public safety concerns are also discussed in order to choose the right solution and preserve the beauty of Notre Dame for generations to come.