Many are still regrouping after the devastating news of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire that took place on Monday, April 15th. With cathedral updates made by our Archinect team member Justine Testado, plans for restoring the historic building is underway. Since yesterday France's president Emmanuel Macron has helped lead a significant fundraising effort towards Notre Dame's restoration. With hundreds of millions of euros having already been pledged many are curious as to how the restoration will pan out.
After a hard day of strategically planning how to contain the blaze without causing more damage to the structure firefighters were able to put out the fire and assess the damages. During the assessment, the cathedral's spire was severely affected by the fire and collapsed during the blaze. Extensive damage was done to the cathedral's roof which had to be completely gutted. About 400 firefighters were at the scene working tirelessly to fight the flames. Their efforts to contain the fire from spreading was a colossal feat and collaborative effort. Although a large portion of the cathedral was damaged thankfully the North and South Towers near the main entrance and the main exterior was not harmed. During yesterdays coverage on Archinect, it was noted: "major art pieces and relics were saved from the fire, including the Crown of Thorns, the Tunic of Saint Louis, and several other major works that are now in a safe place."
With steps to move forward with optimism a 3D mapping of the cathedral which was captured by the late architectural historian Andrew Tallon back in 2015 gives hope of how restoration plans can be executed. A former art professor at Vassar college, Tallon used his expertise in Gothic architecture and interests in Notre Dame to create a spatial mapping of the cathedral which resulted in a highly detailed digital model of the church before the fire.
Tallon set up a tripod in 50 different locations within the cathedral to scan and gather various digital points using lasers to map and measure. These incredibly detailed scanned data markers will make a tremendous impact during the cathedral's revival.
View Tallon's digital scanning process and interview here.
two words: retractable roof
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In working on historic buildings here I have hand hewn beams and made traditional joinery using period correct tools.
I'm guessing that much of the craft that originally produced this incredible building no longer exists, and concerned that modern reproduction will be grossly inappropriate, like the all-concrete Hiroshima Castle.
it appears that none of the structural wood members were visible, maybe they don't have an interest for rebuilding as in 1300. And I'm also guessing the insurance companies will be the first to voice an opinion.
Osaka-jo as well, Miles.Himeji is the one to visit, and the difference is obvious to anyone with senses.
Or Ise, or any shrine Kyoto, Nara ...
two words: retractable roof
Now, this is idiotic
https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2019/04/17/incendie-de-notre-dame-lancement-d-un-concours-international-d-architectes-pour-la-fleche_5451615_823448.html
"a new steeple adapted to technical and issues of our time"
I wager it's some sort of stacked box, twisting volume, or glass abomination.
I can't wait to see the starchitect proposals.
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