I've heard numerous reasons why rebuilding will be close to impossible. At least, with the idea of making it the same. Just for starters, the size of the lumber used, is all but non existent now. Sure you can use engineered lumber, that may even be superior in many ways, but it won't be the same. Building codes have changed radically since then. Would they even be allowed to do it the same? Then you look at the level of craftsmanship. I understand that there are many details in the craftsmanship that were virtually impossible to see. That sort of thinking in building just doesn't exist anymore. This was a tribute to the Lord. Those unseen details were done to please the Lord. Will that ever be done again, with modern concerns about budgets, etc.? Certainly not when they are talking about a 5 year plan to rebuild. It really is a shocking loss.
It took GENERATIONS to build that. It was a miracle that it survived this long at all. Used to be lit with open candle flames for centuries. Surrounded by wars pretty much its entire existence.
I'm sure they will rebuild it to some extent at least just to keep the stonework from falling in. There is still a lot of it left. America still has a number of huge old trees. Perhaps we could ship some over? They did send us a sweet little statue some years back. (we never even took it inside. Just left it out in NY harbor)
We've got one here in Knoxvegas, "the Mighty Wurlitzer" at the truly awesome Tennessee Theatre. Shame to say I've never heard it, but I've seen lots of great shows there. Most recently, Willie Nelson... GREAT show.
Anyhoo- it'll be an epic undertaking to restore Notre Dame, taking the best minds in the world to giterduun. I'll be watching.
1994, fundraiser for the restoration of the Cathedral at Chartres. SCA Pennsic War.
A group of volunteers, many Broadway folk, built theatrical flats, including fake stained glass, for an old barn at the biggest world SCA event in PA. For almost two weeks of daily labor. ( plus months of planning and painting, much in NYC between shows )
The transformation was astounding. Just a big old barn. Then the Known World Choir, with 20 hours of practice together ( from, literally around the world ) sang an a cappella renaissance short concert.
Hauntingly beautiful.
And not just because my sister was one of the sopranos.
I had a replica of the Chartres maze, ( one layer less comp!ex but bigger ) over 2 acres in my back yard for 3 years. Only visible from the air, or space. The only pictures I have are from Google maps. It's a meditation maze, meant to be a prayer focus and tease/lesson. ( you head towards the center, 4 times, but are denied 3 times first ) Some may recognize the symbolism.
