vasily klyukin envisions XXI century mirror-clad notre dame

vasily klyukin envisions XXI century mirror-clad notre dame
all images courtesy of vasily klyukin

as an embodiment of contemporary aesthetic and material applications in architecture, vasily klyukin has envisioned the historic notre dame in paris rendered in concrete, metal and glass. highly reflective paneling clads the entire façade, from the site’s vaulted roof to its window and door frames. two spires are introduced into the design of ‘XXI century notre dame’, a feature ultimately not added during its original construction, as the result was perceived to be more harmonious without them; ‘I have shown these spires in my concept to remind people of this interesting idea’, klyukin explains.

klyukin has envisioned the historic notre dame in paris rendered in concrete, metal and glass

while the most recognizable parts of the cathedral remain unchanged, the modern-day materials recontextualize the site and its surrounding landscape. ‘I didn’t reproduce the numerous facade ornaments and didn’t decorate the stained glass as well’, klyukin describes, underlining the surface of the structure as the focal point. the integration of concrete, metal and glass — heavily adopted in the build of domestic spaces and urban centers today — delivers a fictional, yet practical application of contemporary architectural elements onto a traditionally-styled space.

highly reflective paneling clads the entire facade

two spires are introduced into the design of ‘XXI century notre dame’

aerial view of the modern-day site

from above

the surface of the structure serves as the focal point

the scheme delivers a practical application of contemporary architectural elements onto a traditional space

two spires are introduced onto the front of the cathedral

portrait of vasily klyukin
image © designboom