A student contest is being held for new artworks for the construction hoardings surrounding the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris (Deadline: 27 May) Organised by the City of Paris and the Conseil d’Architecture, d’Urbanisme et de l’Environnement – the competition invites students of architecture, landscape, urban planning, design and art to draw up concepts for the hoardings surrounding the historic Paris landmark which was struck by fire six years ago. The call for concepts aims to identify a range of artworks which could be used to transform a 400m-long area of palisade into a giant artwork. Eight winners will each receive a €2,000 prize to deliver their concept at eight separate locations. According to the brief: ‘What if the fences of the Notre Dame [construction site] became a space for artistic expression? It’s the whole stakes involved in this student competition, which is open to support the progress of the redevelopment of nearby Notre Dame. ‘While the interior restoration of the cathedral is complete, the yard will begin in 2025 and will continue until 2028. On the programme: greening of the square, redevelopment of the basement in a reception area, opening on the Seine. ‘The aim of the students will be to lead 400m of palisades by creating mediation supports to accompany the construction site and the visitors to this exceptional site.’ On 15 April the world watched in horror as the cathedral spire collapsed while 400 firefighters battled to extinguish the flames. While the spire, oak frame and lead roof collapsed, the main structure, comprising the UNESCO world heritage landmark’s two rectangular bell towers survived. In late 2024, the cathedral partially reopened as part of a ‘faithful’ reconstruction of the building. The restoration of the complex is expected to fully complete in 2026 with a series of upgrades to its surroundings precincts by landscape architect Bas Smets planned to commence this year and complete by 2028. The latest contest focusses on transforming the construction hoardings surrounding the building site which occupies one of the most prominent locations in the centre of the Paris capital. Submissions may draw on any artistic technique – including illustrations, collages, photomontages, visual timelines and testimonials – and will be expected to tell the story of Notre-Dame’s past, present and future. Eight winners will each receive a €2,000 prize to deliver their concept at 30m by 80m scale on one of eight hoarding locations between Notre-Dame and l’Île de la Cité. The concepts will remain on site for between seven and 17 months. How to apply Deadline: 27 May 2025 Competition funding source: Not supplied Project funding source: Not supplied Owner of site(s): Not supplied Contact details: concours@caue75.frVisit the competition website for more information