It was great to see Professor Jacques Heyman writing in The Structural Engineer, in his Viewpoint article (July 2019) on the fire at Notre-Dame cathedral. As usual, an excellent engineering appraisal coupled with invaluable information on the history of the building and other cathedrals affected by fire. I agree with his point that repairing Notre-Dame's damaged crossing is an opportunity for innovation. Figure 4 in the article gives a clue - the current hole in the roof is letting in a good amount of natural light. Why not construct a transparent structure in the roof area that continues this, allowing light in during the day? The new structure could also incorporate artificial light at night, to shine both inside and out, and show off the great cathedral at night as desired - declaring that it is restored and revitalised.
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