After five years of restoration work, this Gothic architectural masterpiece, originally built in the 12th century, is set to reopen to the public. The devastating fire in 2019 not only destroyed the iconic spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral but also severely damaged this ancient building that carries the memory of human civilization. However, with the aid of modern technology, this historical structure is returning to life in a brand new form.
This monumental project, costing approximately 700 million euros (around 5.3 billion yuan), involved over 250 companies and more than 2,000 craftsmen. Notably, modern technology played a crucial role in this restoration effort. The application of artificial intelligence and 3D modeling technology has made the reconstruction of this ancient building more precise and efficient.
A significant technical highlight of the reconstruction project is the use of digital twin technology. The renowned design software company Autodesk was invited to develop a digital model of Notre-Dame. Supported by modern Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and cloud computing technology, the team completed accurate modeling work that included 12,000 objects, over 30,000 square meters of stone walls, more than 3,900 square meters of lead roofing, and 186 church vaults.
Crucially, the design firm Art Graphique et Patrimoine (AGP) completed a detailed digital scan of the church's interior structure before the fire. This valuable data provided essential references for the reconstruction work. The restoration team employed laser scanning technology to collect hundreds of thousands of data points with an accuracy of 1-2 millimeters per second, ensuring the precision of the reconstruction.
The entire restoration project represents a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The restoration team used 2,400 oak trees to reconstruct the roof, while carefully restoring over 2,000 sculptures and decorative elements. Through 3D modeling technology, engineers were able to assess the stability of the building structure and simulate different lighting schemes to optimize the layout of construction equipment.
On November 8, the bells of the north tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral rang out over Paris once again, symbolizing the rebirth of this ancient building. Today, the nave of the church has been revitalized, with seating and liturgical furnishings neatly arranged, and the iconic rose window restored to its former glory.
Notre-Dame Cathedral will officially reopen to the public on December 7-8. This building, which combines ancient craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, will continue to witness the transmission and development of human civilization in its new form. This restoration project not only showcases the significant value of modern technology in cultural heritage preservation but also provides valuable experience for the restoration of other ancient buildings worldwide.
