Reconstruction Projects for the Framework and Spire of Notre-Dame de Paris

The association Restaurons Notre-Dame (rND) launched in 2020, in collaboration with several academic partners, a scientific and technical research program related to the reconstruction of the framework, the spire, and the roof of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

Thanks to this university program, 6 projects carried out by the students of the Master’s degree “Civil Engineering: Wood Architecture Construction” were presented. Beyond architectural proposals, these projects highlight all the challenges raised by the design of such a complex structure as the one lost in the fire of April 15, 2019.

Project 1 – Identical Consolidated

The approach of this project is rooted in history, both in its design and manufacture as well as in the chosen traditional assembly techniques.

Project 1 proposes a reconstruction identical to the original, in oak, starting from truss no.7 of the original framework. An additional support structure in Scots pine complements the proposed system and marks a historical contrast with the use of a different wood species.

In this project, the main trusses are positioned on the axis of the cathedral pillars to relieve the loads applied to the gutter wall.

Slate is chosen as an alternative to lead to lighten the roof covering.

Discover the full project « Identical Consolidated » on the Restaurons Notre-Dame association’s website.

Project 2 – Roots

The notions of sharing, transmitting French know-how, and knowledge of the history of the Notre-Dame Cathedral guided the students in the creation of this project.

As with “Identical Consolidated,” the students of the “Roots” project started from truss no.7 for the restitution of the framework.

The project’s grounding in the 21st century is reflected in the use of glued laminated Douglas fir for the construction of the lower part of the spire.

Once transported to the site via river or road, the elements will be assembled on site, highlighting through a training site the artisans’ craftsmanship.

Discover the full project « Roots » on the Restaurons Notre-Dame association’s website.

Project 3 – Balance

The students of the “Balance” project propose replacing the framework trusses with a structure composed of double crossed boarding, supported by glued laminated arches. This construction system enables an almost homogeneous diffusion of forces.

This setup also creates a central visual freedom while playing with perception, guiding individuals toward the crossing of the transepts, where the spire’s framework is identically reconstructed. The heritage richness embodied by the spire framework is partitioned by a fire protection system, enhancing the impression of a “treasure.” ».

Lead on the roof is replaced with copper.

Discover the full project« Balance » on the Restaurons Notre-Dame association’s website.

Project 4 – The Modular Dream

Starting from the principle that the main framework trusses, accompanied by their small rafters, form a coherent static ensemble creating a module, the students of the “Modular Dream” project propose reconstructing the framework following the principle of modular design.

Modularity would particularly ensure, within a limited timeframe, the return of the cathedral’s silhouette.

The students’ intention is not to dismiss the ancestral craftsmanship of the master carpenters but rather to synthesize artisanal knowledge and industrial processes that also rely on human and technical expertise.

Two images guided the students in their project: that of the Latin cross and that of the forest, which was the name given to the original framework of Notre-Dame.

Discover the full project « The Modular Dream » on the Restaurons Notre-Dame association’s website.

Project 5 – From Thread to Needle

The idea of this project developed around the simplification of truss no.7 of the framework lost in the fire. The students retained only the interior rafters of this truss to obtain the basic figure of a scissors truss.

The structure is consolidated by a lattice assembly, combining resistance, rigidity, and lightness.

The students propose replacing the lead of the roof with flat clay tiles, a durable material of strong heritage and ecological value, produced within French territory.

Discover the full project « From Thread to Needle » on the Restaurons Notre-Dame association’s website.

The approach of this project is articulated around two complementary intentions: a historical reconstruction identical to Viollet-le-Duc’s spire and an original contemporary intervention with the creation of a wooden lattice to replace the framework that supported the rest of the cathedral’s roof.

The use of the lattice framework system would also allow for completely freeing the space under the roof, enabling the framework to one day be integrated into the cathedral’s visitor tour.

Discover the full project « Gothic Lattice » on the Restaurons Notre-Dame association’s website.

To support the « Restaurons Notre-Dame»association

Visual 1: Top schools mobilize for the framework and spire of Notre-Dame © Association Restaurons Notre-Dame

Visual 2: Project 1 – Identical Consolidated © D.R.

Visual 3: Project 2 – Roots © D.R.

Visual 4: Project 3 – Balance © D.R.

Visual 5: Project 4 – The Modular Dream © D.R.

Visual 6: Project 5 – From Thread to Needle © D.R.

Visual 7: Project 6 – Gothic Lattice © D.R.