designboom_despite the french senate’s ruling for the notre dame cathedral to be rebuilt to the ‘last known visual state’, shepherd studio presents their concept for the temporary reconstruction of the iconic landmark. the proposal, entitled ‘divine intervention’, envisions a huge inflatable balloon-like protective layer that would sit on top of the gothic monument. not intended as a permanent solution, the giant inflatable would take to the sky at night and only come down during the day.

the radical vision by shepherd studio contrasts heavily with its conservative context and flies in the face of the decision made on monday, 27 may, 2019, to respect the former roof and spire. instead, the bubble-like balloon takes the original volume of the structure and transforms it into a fantastical inflatable, sitting on top of the prestigious cathedral.