The inside story of Notre-Dame’s incredible reconstruction | Philippe Villeneuve

In this TED Talk Daily episode, host Elise Hu introduces Philippe Villeneuve, the chief architect for the reconstruction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, who recounts the events of the 2019 fire and the subsequent efforts to rebuild the iconic structure. Villeneuve describes the day of the fire, the outpouring of support and donations, and the historical significance of Notre-Dame, emphasizing its cultural impact through literature, film, and art. He details the damage he witnessed upon entering the ruined cathedral and his determination to restore it, highlighting the collaborative effort of various tradespeople and the challenges they faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic and lead pollution. Villeneuve concludes by celebrating the successful restoration within the five-year deadline, giving Notre-Dame back to Paris, France, and the world.