The project for the reconstruction of Notre Dame de Paris includes not only the restoration of the cathedral itself but also the change of public spaces around it. This is stated in the message of the design firm.
When the final renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral is completed, the landmark will look a little different than tourists remember.
According to the plan, which is being worked on by the landscape architect Bas Smets, the territory behind the cathedral will be enlarged, and a new park, an underpass, and a tree canopy will appear.
30 percent more trees to be planted in the cathedral area
The city plans to install a cooling system that, if necessary – during a heat wave – will direct a thin layer of water down the area to reduce temperatures, and trees and shrubs will be planted in the area.
In addition to landscaping, the new design will transform the underground car park into a pedestrian area that will lead to the archaeological museum.
Notre Dame Cathedral, which remains one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, was destroyed by fire in April 2019. Since then, work has been underway to restore the sights.
In 2020, the city reopened the crypt under Notre Dame Cathedral, which was unaffected by the fire but affected by lead dust, as well as the public square in front of the cathedral’s main entrance.
French President Emmanuel Macron said last year that his goal was to complete Notre Dame de Paris in time for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Although much of the work will be completed by then, the landscaping and landscaping innovations cannot take place until the scaffolding has been removed. Experts believe that the cathedral will be fully open only in 2027.