What does it mean to rebuild a cathedral for the next thousand years? In this episode, I explore how Notre-Dame de Paris—ravaged by fire in 2019—is being reborn through a delicate balance of tradition and innovation. Together, we’ll uncover how its reconstruction wrestles with questions of historical fidelity, sustainability, and collective identity.

We’ll also visit Sagrada Família in Barcelona, another monumental “work in progress,” to see how Gaudí’s visionary principles of slow, meaningful architecture continue to inspire today’s builders. From ancient masonry to digital fabrication, from hand-cut stone to Building Information Modeling, these iconic cathedrals show us how resilience in architecture is not just about strength—but about meaning, care, and stewardship.

Join us as we reflect on how these enduring frames invite us all to rethink what it means to build better—for our time and for generations to come.

https://rileycarter-architecture.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCFLR798