Vincent Callebaut (b. May 27, 1977) is a Belgian ecological architect. He designs futuristic-like eco-district projects which take account of several aspects of sustainability (renewable energies, biodiversity, urban agriculture). His Paris-based practice, Vincent Callebaut Architectures, has designed and developed several environmental efficient building concepts, which integrate greenery and renewable resources.
Rendering by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Official website of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Palingenesis – rebirth of the Cathedral
The project devoted to contemplation, meditation, and…
Growing food.
Another take on a new roof for Notre Dame Cathedral. This time from great French archibiotect Vincent Callebaut, who came out with  Gothic and Biomimetic Forest for the Cathedral roof-top. The new proposal includes an area devoted to contemplation and meditation, solar power, and an urban farm that supports vulnerable and homeless Parisians.
Rendering by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
The roof and spire will also produce power for the entire project (an “organic active layer” within the glass will convert the energy of sunlight to electricity) and will provide heat and ventilation management for the cathedral.
Rendering by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Rendering by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Great looking concept but I have some concerns. The weight. If we combine the weight of glass (heavy-duty outside layer), solar panels incorporated in the glass, an urban farm with aquaponic basins, countless planters filled with vegetation, parishioners, and tourists using the space for contemplation and meditation, the question coming to my mind is…
How the structure of that ancient building is going to support the new addition?
Because, that what it is, a new addition. It’s not just a new roof. The architects want to put a new building on the top of the Cathedral. Don’t get me wrong, I love the design, but I don’t think that the top of The Notre Dame Cathedral is a proper location for it.
Rendering by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Construction stages of the project
Rendering by Vincent Callebaut Architectures