Paris-based architect Vincent Callebaut wants to give Notre-Dame Cathedral a new roof that generates energy and contains an aquaponic farm.
The proposal by Vincent Callebaut Architectures sees the historic cathedral transformed into an eco-friendly building, generating more energy than it consumes, while producing 21 tons of fruits and vegetables a year.
It would also give the gothic structure a "new face" for the 21st century.
"This powerful fire has awakened our dystopian imagination and somewhat echoed the church's current identify crisis, as well as the environmental challenges we are facing through climate change," said Vincent Callebaut Architectures.
The proposal sees Notre-Dame transformed into an eco-friendly building The concept includes a roof built from cross-laminated timber (CLT) beams pre-stressed with carbon-fibre slats, with a tall spire rising at the crossing.
Between the timber beams, crystal-shaped glass elements would contain a living layer made from carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, able to absorb light and transform it into power.
"The cathedral would become an exemplary eco-engineering structure, and the church a true pioneer in environmental resiliency," explained the studio.
The concept includes a roof built from cross-laminated timber
Below the roof, an urban farm would be used to grow food that could be distributed across Paris. Fruit and vegetables would be grown along the length of the nave using aq...