Phoenix, Notre Dame
Paris, France 2020
In Ancient Greek folklore, a phoenix (/ ˈfiːnɪks/; Ancient Greek: φοῖνιξ, phoînix) is a long-lived bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again.
Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.
Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.
Designed in response to the fire of the Notre Dame de Paris, Phoenix is a skylight and spire intervention that hopes to bring new life into the cathedral.
From the remnants of the disaster an opportunity arose. The new opening in the destroyed wooden roof introduced an ethereal ambience to the internal space of the cathedral, one never seen before. The main inspiration between the skylight and spire design was derived from the paradox of charred debris sitting at the base of the nave, now illuminated by the daylight it use to conceal, and the resilient arcs and vaults enclosing it.
The ornament aims to create an internal ambience that emphasises the redeeming qualities of the Notre Dame, namely the arc and vault form, reconfigured into a spire and skylight. The structural considerations and purpose of lighting determine the ornament shape, and thus encompasses the rich history of innovation and cultural significance behind the Notre Dame.
The structure intertwines old technology with new materials and celebrates the resurrection of the Notre Dame and its new spire form through curated lighting and ambience.
From the remnants of the disaster an opportunity arose. The new opening in the destroyed wooden roof introduced an ethereal ambience to the internal space of the cathedral, one never seen before. The main inspiration between the skylight and spire design was derived from the paradox of charred debris sitting at the base of the nave, now illuminated by the daylight it use to conceal, and the resilient arcs and vaults enclosing it.
The ornament aims to create an internal ambience that emphasises the redeeming qualities of the Notre Dame, namely the arc and vault form, reconfigured into a spire and skylight. The structural considerations and purpose of lighting determine the ornament shape, and thus encompasses the rich history of innovation and cultural significance behind the Notre Dame.
The structure intertwines old technology with new materials and celebrates the resurrection of the Notre Dame and its new spire form through curated lighting and ambience.
