Amsterdam architect wants to replace Notre Dame spire with 3D projection

Amsterdam architect Marten Wassmann thinks the spire of Notre Dame should not be rebuilt with wood, stone, steel or glass. Instead it should be replaced with a 3D projection. That is the proposal he will submit for the restoration of the Paris cathedral, Het Parool reports.

The spire of Notre Dame was a landmark of the cathedral and the Paris skyline for 160 years, until it was destroyed in a devastating fire last month. Wassmann, partner of the Amsterdam firm Benthem Crouwel Architects, has no doubts about whether the spire should be replaced. But instead of rebuilding, he thinks France should look at a more contemporary variant.

"This way the tower becomes a fluid form that, because of its abstract character, has eternal value," the firm said on its website. "The dynamic projection of the celebration tower is a particularly sustainable solution for the opportunity described by [French Prime Minister] Edouard Phillippe, that the new tower will reflect the possibilities and challenges of our time."

A fluid tower made up of light lines that can take on different shapes, intensities and colors, is Wassmann's idea. This is a sustainable solution, he believes, as such a tower can keep up with the times and will always be a modern enrichment of the skyline.

According to him, a 3D projection is also in the spirit of architect Viollet-le-Duc. When the spire partially collapsed in the 19th century, Viollet-le-Duc did not attempt to rebuild it as it was. Instead he designed his own variant in neo-gothic style.

The French government wants to make haste with the restoration of Notre Dame, and launched an architecture competition for the spire. Architects from all over the world already put forward ideas, ranging from a crystal spire, to a glass roof, to a botanical greenhouse with beehives.

Thousands of competition entries are expected. Wassmann does not see this as a reason to avoid submitting a proposal. "Of course you participate in a competition to win. In this case it is also important to contribute to the discussion that should be held as broadly as possible about the preservation of this important cultural treasure."