Charred timber pavilion proposed as temporary Notre Dame replacement

2019-08-01T18:18:00-04:00

Global architecture firm Gensler has unveiled designs for a charred timber prayer pavilion to be used while the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is underway.

The unsolicited proposal deploys Shou Sugi Ban-style charred timber structural trusses to shape a nave "replicated to the same dimensions as Notre-Dame to ensure familiarity," according to a project website. The proposal includes a roof constructed out of ETFE cushions and walls built from translucent polycarbonate.

The pavilion's charred timber trusses are designed to create a space with the same dimensions as Notre Dame's central nave. Image courtesy of Gensler.

As designed, the pavilion would be located in Parvis Square, the plaza fronting the cathedral that burned tragically in April 2019. One end of the long, rectangular nave opens up to the front elevation of Notre Dame and is aligned up with the centerline of the cathedral, according to renderings. The structure is envisioned as a multi-use space that can p...

Trend Watch: Shou sugi ban, the art of preserving wood by charring

2017-10-21T23:05:00-04:00

The unpolished, naturalistic quality of burnt wood also appeals to architects seeking to evoke a rough organic feel in tune with the surrounding landscape. It’s bituminous-black and scaly, like alligator skin that’s been singed. But such dark, reptilian wood is also startling and gorgeously eerie...like it floated out of a dream

Amanda Fortini highlights the ancient Japanese technique, which has grown in popularity among Western architects.

A topic discussed here on Archinect back in 2007 and then in 2012.

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Charred timber pavilion proposed as temporary Notre Dame replacement

Trend Watch: Shou sugi ban, the art of preserving wood by charring