Project Description
“Re-inspired Notre Dame”
Can I see another’s woe,
And not be in sorrow too?
(Excerpt from “On Another’s Sorrow” from ‘Songs of Innocence’ written in 1789 by English poet William Blake)
How can Notre Dame be not rebuilt as similar as possible to its original grandeur? At the same time, how can the memories of this horrible fire be completely erased out of everyone’s collective memory? If it’s not exactly like what it was before the fire, will the new ideas change the feel of the cathedral forever? These are some of the questions running through the minds of Parisian, Christians, as well as lovers of history and people all over the world. The compromise may be hidden in “similar but different” concept.
Access Architects with their compassion for the people of France and admiration for this incredible piece of architecture and history, offer a vision for what Notre Dame Cathedral can be! Surely, there’ll be a competition held for its redesign, but sometimes the first inspirations, the first expressions of care, are the ones derived from the heart, from the secret volt of human compassion. May be through this conceptualization, the essence of spirituality can be felt!
Leaving the complete roof of the cathedral to be rebuilt as close as possible to its original design with materials as close to the original as possible, Access Architects offer a new vision for the cathedral’s spire. The new design reflects the history in which the overall size of the spire, including gargoyles and copper statues of the twelve Apostles
are kept the same, but reflects the recent history: fire, smoke and flames. The new spire offers an opportunity to provide a viewing gallery to relish the never before seen views of the Siene River and the surrounding areas.