Summary of "Notre-Dame Rises From the Ashes"

Episode Title: Notre-Dame Rises From the Ashes
Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host: Michael Barbaro
Guest: Michael Kimmelman, Chief Architecture Critic, The New York Times
Podcast: The Daily, The New York Times

Introduction: A Monumental Rebirth

In the December 11, 2024 episode of The Daily, host Michael Barbaro engages in a profound conversation with Michael Kimmelman, The New York Times' Chief Architecture Critic, about the dramatic resurgence of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame following a devastating fire. This episode delves deep into the cultural, historical, and emotional significance of Notre-Dame, exploring its destruction, restoration, and what it symbolizes for humanity today.

Recounting the Fire and Initial Reactions

Michael Barbaro opens the discussion by acknowledging the delay in featuring Kimmelman, attributing it to significant news events such as the fall of the government in Syria and a high-profile manhunt in the U.S. However, the focus swiftly shifts to the fire that threatened Notre-Dame.

Kimmelman vividly recounts the moment he first learned of the fire. “[04:09] Michael Barbaro: Crazy why?
[04:10] Michael Kimmelman: Because Notre Dame has a giant stone building. I didn't think it could burn down, and it sounded sort of inconceivable.”

He describes the surreal experience of witnessing the cathedral engulfed in flames from his vantage point in Manhattan. The emotional impact was immediate and intense: “[05:22] Michael Barbaro: It's not normal.
[05:24] Michael Kimmelman: It really was as if the world had stopped.”

Historical Significance of Notre-Dame

Kimmelman provides an extensive overview of Notre-Dame’s historical and cultural importance. Located at the heart of Paris on the Seine River, the cathedral has been a central figure in the city since the 12th century. He explains, “[08:28] Michael Kimmelman: It sits at the center of Paris on an island in the middle of the Seine River. And that island is where what came to be called Paris started.”

Notre-Dame has been a silent witness to pivotal events, from royal weddings and Napoleon’s coronation to the ravages of the French Revolution. Kimmelman touches upon Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, highlighting how literary works have immortalized the cathedral's significance: “[12:11] Michael Kimmelman: ...it is hard not to regret, not to feel indignation at the numberless degradations and mutilations which time and men have wrought simultaneously on this venerable monument.”

Restoration Efforts and Challenges

In the aftermath of the fire, the restoration of Notre-Dame became a global endeavor. Kimmelman shares insights into the initial reactions and the overwhelming number of restoration proposals, most of which were impractical or outlandish. “There were a lot of proposals to do something really crazy on the roof...Someone came up with the idea of, like, a giant carbon fiber gold leaf flame to replace the spire” ([17:54]).

However, pragmatic voices prevailed, steering the project towards faithful restoration. President Macron promised restoration within five years—a timeline many deemed impossible. Kimmelman reflects on his skepticism: “[18:57] Michael Barbaro: ...I thought it was nuts. I even told my editors there was absolutely no way this would happen in five years, 20 years. We'll check in in 10 years. Don't worry about this. There's nothing really to see here.”

Against all odds, the restoration was completed on time and within budget: “[19:54] Michael Kimmelman: And here we are, five years later. The building has been reopened. It's on time, on budget, and it's incredible. It's a kind of miracle.”

Insights from the On-Site Visit

Kimmelman describes his exclusive visit to the restored cathedral, highlighting the meticulousness and dedication of the restoration team. Access was tightly controlled, and upon finally gaining entry, he was met with scenes of industrious craftsmanship: “[21:18] Michael Kimmelman: ...we have to strip naked and put on, basically, a hazmat suit.”

The restoration team employed ancient techniques and extensive documentation to ensure authenticity. Using LIDAR scans and detailed historical records, they reconstructed the cathedral with remarkable precision: “[26:04] Michael Kimmelman: ...the carpenters today, using the same sort of old hand tools, made sure that the contours of that beam down to all sorts of peculiarities.”

Kimmelman emphasizes the emotional and communal aspects of the restoration process. Workers exhibited a shared sense of mission and pride, fostering a unique camaraderie: “[24:48] Michael Kimmelman: ...they were doing all sorts of stuff. They were laying down sheets of lead. They were erecting the spire...rebuilding the rafters...This is beautiful.”

Reflections on Architecture and Society

The restoration of Notre-Dame serves as a testament to the enduring relationship between architecture and society. Kimmelman reflects on how buildings like Notre-Dame are not merely aesthetic constructs but living entities that embody the values, history, and collective identity of a community: “[07:14] Michael Kimmelman: ...architecture is really the world we built and are building... they raise these questions of what do they say about us as a society?”

He draws parallels between the preservation of Notre-Dame and broader themes of cultural heritage and human ingenuity. The successful restoration demonstrates humanity’s capacity for resilience and reverence for history: “[34:29] Michael Kimmelman: ...this is not the moment when we let Notre Dame die, that we are capable of bringing it back to life. And that's a sign of hope.”

Conclusion: A Symbol of Hope and Unity

In closing, Kimmelman articulates the symbolic significance of Notre-Dame’s restoration. The cathedral stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and the highest aspects of human endeavor. Its revival not only preserves a historical monument but also rejuvenates the communal spirit and collective identity: “[35:12] Michael Kimmelman: It's our best selves, right. Notre Dame is our best selves.”

He underscores the emotional resonance of Notre-Dame with both locals and the global community, highlighting its role in fostering a sense of continuity and belonging across generations: “[35:25] Michael Kimmelman: ...the building's resurrection preserves that connection. It allows us to think we can go back...It's a touchstone for our sense of our own changing, evolving lives, aging...”

Notable Quotes

• Kimmelman on Initial Shock:
  “[04:10] Michael Kimmelman: Because Notre Dame has a giant stone building. I didn't think it could burn down, and it sounded sort of inconceivable.”

• On Architecture's Role:
  “[07:14] Michael Kimmelman: ...architecture is really the world we built and are building... they raise these questions of what do they say about us as a society?”

• On Restoration as Hope:
  “[34:29] Michael Kimmelman: ...this is not the moment when we let Notre Dame die, that we are capable of bringing it back to life. And that's a sign of hope.”

• Summing Up Notre-Dame's Significance:
  “[35:12] Michael Kimmelman: It's our best selves, right. Notre Dame is our best selves.”

This episode not only chronicles the remarkable restoration of Notre-Dame but also invites listeners to contemplate the profound connections between architecture, history, and the human spirit. Through Kimmelman's insightful reflections, The Daily underscores the enduring legacy of one of the world's most iconic cathedrals.