The People's Notre-Dame Cathedral Design Competition

On April 15th, 2019 the Notre-Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames. A few hours later the centuries-old cathedral had lost its entire roof, spire, and was severely damaged. Thankfully it was not completely destroyed and many priceless artifacts from the interior were saved.
GoArchitect, an independent book publisher in Los Angeles, has launched the People’s Notre Dame Cathedral Design Competition which invited architects to enter their designs for the new roof. 226 designers from 56 countries submitted designs. Then 30,000 people, from around the world, voted for their favorite designs and a winner was announced.

WINNER:

Cai Zeyu and Li Sibei, two architects from China, won the championship with their creative and beautiful design "Paris Heart Beat."

The Winner: "Paris Heart Beat" by Cai Zeyu and Li Sibei

The winning proposal comprises of three main design features: a mirrored roof, a Paris time capsule and a city kaleidoscope. Every moment the building will have a new look, matching the changing urban environment. In addition, a time capsule, designed to be open every half-century, is floating at the top of the spire. The magnetic levitation installation is made to keep the memory of the past and reserve space for future story.

The Winner: "Paris Heart Beat" by Cai Zeyu and Li Sibei

The new spire represents the memory, presence and hope of humanity. The time capsule can move rhythmically up and down, breathing and beating together with the city. The inside reflection of the tower spire creates a city kaleidoscope. The beauty of the Rose Window of Notre Dame would be reinterpreted through the design.