Could the new roof for Paris' iconic Notre Dame Cathedral be built as a educational greenhouse?
It's just one of many design submissions sent to the French government in the wake of the devastating fire that tore through the cathedral on 15 April 2019, downing its roof and leaving locals and the world grieving the loss of an architectural wonder.
The French Prime Minister, Édouard Phillipe, called for architects to design a replacement “adapted to the techniques and challenges of our era” — and Paris-based design firm, Studio NAB responded with a design addressing environmental, social and educational issues: a greenhouse.
The proposed design includes an environmentally-friendly apiary to replace the original spire destroyed by the flames. It would be home to about 200,000 honey bees who previously lived in the roof of the sacristy and managed to survive the fire. Studio NAB hopes it can be a space to train beekeepers and highlight the importance of bees for our planet. The design firm wants to also build planters and other elements from salvaged burnt oak timbers — combining old and new.
Studio NAB envisions the greenhouse as a learning centre for both adults and children, including those from disadvantaged communities. It's hoped the space can be used to reconnect with nature and learn about urban agriculture, horticulture and permaculture.