Introduction
This paper provides an architectural analysis of the plan to build a cathedral on the eastern part of Ile de la Cite in Paris, France. The Cathedral will be named ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’ or simply ‘The Notre Dam’. The assumption is that the building is not in existence but is set to start as soon as possible. The plan is to build one of the finest examples of the European Gothic Architecture comparable to the Romanesque designs. In addition, it will compete for fame with major gothic churches and cathedrals in Rome, Milan and other parts of Western Europe.
Exterior
The Cathedral will have a number of unique features on its exterior parts, including the roof. It will make use of the modern technology that allows buildings to use flying buttress as exterior support with additional aesthetic function.
The building will occupy a space measuring 128 meters long and 53 meters wide1. Its height is about 110 feet. It will stand on a foundation 30 feet below the ground2. The entire foundation will be made of fine and precisely cut hard stones to give it the required strength. It will have two towers each measuring 69 meters in height, but the highest aspire will be 90 meters3.
The design includes several rose windows that are large, decorated and significantly attractive. One of the windows will be a massive feature of the cathedral with a diameter of 13.1meters. The plan is to make this window one of the most significant aspects of the building.
In addition, chapels will be inserted between the exterior buttresses. The compound will be large enough to accommodate large congregations, viewers as well as any sculptural or artistic donation with religious meaning or value.
The Notre Dam Cathedral will have three main levels or layers. The lower level will be designed to provide with an entrance. Three gates for the congregation will be set on this level. This will be the main arcade and the ground floor of the building. It will also hold a number of positions to accommodate numerous religious portals based on the bible. Most of these will be sculptures of various kinds, which will form the main source of aesthetic value and biblical inspiration to the people entering the church. For instance, we plan to line up a number of delicately curved sculptures at the middle of the main door to represent the biblical story of “The Last Judgment”4. The second layer is the Clerestory, which will be separated from the main arcade by another prestigious gallery. The Clerestory will have round rose windows with numerous decorative colors. The two towers will form the third level of the cathedral. The south Tower will form the main point of capturing the panoramic view of Paris, giving the visitors and the congregation a chance to watch the beautify city.
Interior
Inside the building, heavy pillars will hold the roof-vaults. These vaults will shaped by a combination of vault ribs supporting the high ceiling. The purpose of having a wide nave is to ensure that a large congregation can gather inside the church during festivals and other church events. In addition, the Gothic style will emphasize on space and vertical aspect of the church based on height and structure. It is worth noting that the pillars will be the main supportive structures for the building’s weight. This means that the high walls will not bear this weight, allowing them accommodate large window openings. Of particular importance is the use of shinny glass for the windows. These glasses will have different colors with different reflective indices.
The altar will be a large and decorated space 4 meters higher than the nave. Three aisles will run from the altar to the doors in front of the cathedral. Between the aisles, rows of benches will be made to accommodate a large congregation. In addition, the floor will be made of white, green, blue and red marble to give it aesthetic value. The altar will be more illuminated than the rest of the room to ensure that the congregation concentrates on the events at the altar because the building is a Christian center.
The roof
Flying buttress will form some of the main features on the roof. About 400 stairs will be made to allow people access the top of the building. Here, statues of various kinds, including menacing carrion birds and angels will be placed. The purpose is to provide a source of religious inspirations to the visitors. The two towers will be the main features at the top of the building. Here, the Southern Tower will accommodate the Cathedrals large bell. Several spires will be placed at random positions on top of the building. They will provide aesthetic value, especially when it is viewed from other buildings around it.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Cathedral be with the current design because it will be the most magnificent and attractive churches in the world. In fact, the structure, design and other values attached therein will make the Catholic Church in France achieve better recognition.
Bibliography
Jacobs, Jay. The Horizon Book of Great Cathedrals. New York: American Heritage Publishing, 2009.
Myers, Bernard. Art and Civilization. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Tonazzi, Pascal. Florilège de Notre-Dame de Paris. Paris: Arléa Publications, 2007.
Footnotes
- Jay Jacobs, The Horizon Book of Great Cathedrals (New York, New York: American Heritage Publishing, 2009), 237.
- Pascal Tonazzi, Florilège de Notre-Dame de Paris (Paris: Editions Arléa, 2007), 93.
- Bernard Myers, Art and Civilization (New York, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), 129.
- Pascal Tonazzi, Florilège de Notre-Dame de Paris (Paris: Editions Arléa, 2007), 107.