The original construction took 182 years. Why did it take that long? And why is it okay to be taking shortcuts now?
Many people argue that we have better materials now, better transportation and better communication; all of which are true. The construction of one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, however, depended on an interwoven community of master builders, masons, master craftsmen, engineers, and three generations of architects.
Something seems awry, but a difference of 162 years? I can imagine that today's engineers might be tempted to cut corners or use substandard materials to make the deadline.
Part of the bias stems from our knowledge of history. Notre Dame was built during the Medieval Era. This is an time notorious for a lack of insight, intelligence, and depth of knowledge. The Dark Ages, as it is called, is considered a period when the growth of knowledge was minimal over thousands of years.
However, during this period the printing press was invented; practically singlehandedly disseminating the written word. The Medieval period also gave birth to eyeglasses, paper money and, of course, the gothic cathedral. How could an entire era of people "in the dark" have created such beauty?
Lastly, I wouldn't underestimate the crafting ability of the cathedral builders. If it took 182 years to build Notre Dame, there were probably many reasons. If the coming construction could lose focus of the deadline and the bottom line, they could focus on creating great beauty that can withstand war and poverty and touch people's lives, as did the previous Notre-Dame.
Paris from the ground up, by James H. McGregor
Notre-Dame de Paris, by Richard Winston
726.6 W783n
Handbook to life in the medieval world, by Madeleine Pelner Cosman
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