I can see both sides of this. I like the shape and "texture" of the design Edwin posted. There is one element I strongly disagree with: turning a Cathedral into a farm and farmer's market. I think that some level of respect and reverance is still appropriate even if the french people choose to remodel rather than preserve.
At the same time, this is Notre Dame, not just any old building. It's a world heritage site because of its architecture and its history. I don't think subsequent generations HAVE TO stay with what their forefathers built. But this building is 700 years old and is still magnificent. To me, significant changes warrant very careful consideration.
I really enjoyed reading Tom's thoughts, as one who makes these trades regularly.
At the end of the day, the french will decide what makes sense to them. Like them or not, they are a people proud of their history. I'm betting they'll ultimately move in the sort of direction Tom showed in his pictures and preserve rather than remodel.
Fred
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”