Photo courtesy Valentino Gareri Instagram
Design proposals are still pouring in for the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris from the architectural community as they reimagine the landmark’s new look. It has been more than a month now since a devastating fire destroyed the spire and collapsed the roof of the gothic church. While some proposals re-imagine the monument, others focus on delicate restoration.
Architect Valentino Gareri proposes a utopian look for the new Notre Dame roof. The new domes will provide separate functional spaces. The flexibility of the volumes will allow the allocation of different functions. It will also have an elevated and weatherproofed park with an overview on the city, a museum with cathedral relics, a pavilion for exhibitions, and a space for orchestral concerts.
“The domes have always been part of the cathedral as an invisible entity. Now they take shape with this proposal that brings them to life,” as per Gareri’s website.
Cent Alantar’s proposal calls for the reimplementation of the spire, surrounded by a glass roof to celebrate the spire from inside the cathedral, according to ArchDaily. The restoration would seek to respect the building’s original character, and “reveal the aesthetic and historical values of the monument.”
Domes have been a part of the cathedral? What is he smoking? Vaults are not domes, and circular domes are not Gothic. This proposal is completely out of context with the cathedral. It’s reminiscent of the castle in Rocky Horror Picture Show.
How do these architects proposing functional spaces in the attics of Notre Dame propose to provide accessibility and emergency exiting from these spaces? Where are the elevators and massive fire stairs going to come through the building? The whole concept of redeveloping rather than restoring the roof is flawed.