France is planning an architectural competition to design a replacement spire for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, after the old one collapsed during the fire.
French prime minister Edouard Philippe announced the news to journalists, reported the BBC. He said that, instead of simply recreating the original spire, they want a new design "adapted to the techniques and the challenges of our era".
He said they will be putting out an international call. "As is often the case in the evolution of heritage, we should endow Notre-Dame with a new spire," he told reporters.
Spire was not part of original structure
The spire dramatically collapsed in front of crowds, who had gathered to watch in horror as the historic French gothic cathedral went up in flames. Images of the moment it toppled into the flames were splashed across social media and newspaper front pages.
Notre Dame "may take a decade or two" to repair say experts
However this spire was not an original part of the cathedral, which was built in the 12 and 13th centuries. The first spire is believed to have been part of the roof between the 13th and 18th centuries, but was removed due to wind damage.
French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc added a new spire over the transept as part of his restoration in the 19th century.
Copper statues were not destroyed
Made from oak covered with lead, the spire was 90 metres tall and weighed 750 tonnes. It was decorated with 12 copper statues and topped by...