Notre Dame's chief architect outlines plans for cathedral's restoration in five years

Philippe Villeneuve, chief architect of Notre Dame, reflects on the cathedral's restoration after the devastating fire in April 2019. Despite initial doubts, he found hope in the preservation of key elements, leading to a renewed commitment to rebuild within five years. The restoration faced challenges, including the pandemic and weather delays. Villeneuve successfully lobbied to push the reopening date to December 8, aligning it with a significant Catholic holy day. The project has revealed the cathedral's hidden beauty, with many claiming it is now more majestic. As the reopening nears, questions about the fire's cause remain unresolved. Villeneuve has implemented advanced fire safety systems to protect the cathedral in the future. He expresses pride in the restoration, viewing it as a personal journey intertwined with the cathedral's revival.