The rebuilt Notre Dame could feature a futuristic glass design, solar power, and an urban farm that supports vulnerable and homeless Parisians, if one architecture firm’s vision is realized. In April, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced an international competition for architects to redesign the cathedral’s 19th century spire, which collapsed after a fire devastated the 850-year-old Gothic landmark. Paris firm Vincent Callebaut Architectures responded to the call with an innovative, eco-friendly design that supports the local population and produces more energy than it uses. The Vincent Callebaut project is titled "Palingenesis," a Greek concept of rebirth or recreation. The firm proposes a new roof made of glass, oak and carbon fiber, which connects "in one single curved stroke of pencil" to the sloping spire. The rooster which topped the original spire, retrieved from the rubble after the fire, will resume its watch from the new glass design, while the cathedral’s choir will be "bathed in natural light." Beneath the spire, the roof will host a fruit and vegetable farm run by charities and volunteers, in order to produce free food for vulnerable local people. "Up to 21 tons of fruits and vegetables could be harvested and directly redistributed […]
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