Shortly after the top of the cathedral was ravaged, the team at Gensler came together to design a temporary space for visitors.
The idea for the project came directly from the firm's London office, according to Gensler co-CEO Diane Hoskins.
"There were poignant feelings of loss, thankfulness that it wasn't lost entirely, and a recognition that there was going to be a period of time where the cathedral could not be occupied," she said.
The design is still in its infancy, but the team has already solicited input from Notre Dame's rector, Bishop Patrick Chauvet, who suggested building the structure out of wood.
Gensler opted for charred timber, a material that's renewable but sturdy. Charred timber also has fire-resistant properties, since the burned outside layer helps protect the wood from getting too hot.