Last week, I had the privilege of helping to host a reception with the US Embassy in France to celebrate the reopening of the Notre-Dame cathedral and Autodesk’s contributions to the rebuilding effort. We were honored to have US Ambassador to France Denise Campbell Bauer, US Ambassador to the OECD Sean Patrick Maloney, and US Ambassador to UNESCO Courtney Diesel O'Donnell join many French officials and our customers. I want to especially thank my colleague, Clémence Arto, who leads our Government Affairs work in EMEA and who has helped to coordinate the very complex governmental and political relationships in Paris. For me, the reception last Thursday was especially meaningful. Not only do I remember first visiting Notre Dame as a child and I have been fortunate to return more than a dozen times including with my daughters, but the reception was held at the US Embassy’s George Marshall Center which was home to “the American Administration of the European Recovery Program, better known as the Marshall Plan” after World War II. My grandfather, Alfred Friendly, spent two years as Averell Harriman’s assistant in that same building supporting the reconstruction of Europe. Celebrating American support for rebuilding Notre Dame was a full circle moment. The energy in Paris was electric last week and I was very proud of Autodesk for playing an important role in the rebirth of Notre Dame.
On April 15, 2019, a wave of emotion swept the world as flames engulfed the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris. But with this tragedy, came the promise to rebuild. Images of the fire sparked an outpouring of global support and Autodesk knew right away we would join in, starting with a cash donation. But our CEO, Andrew Anagnost, knew the company could do more. We also offered our expertise in 3D digital modeling, and a core group of Autodesk employees was quickly formed to support the French public institution Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris throughout the restoration. Autodesk also partnered with Art Graphique & Patrimoine (AGP), a leading French company in laser scanning and digitization of historic monuments. Out of this partnership, a highly detailed digital model of Notre-Dame was created by combining existing scans with new laser surveys. This digital BIM model, along with Autodesk software, was provided free of charge to the public institution Rebâtir Notre-Dame and made available to construction site stakeholders via a technology and skills patronage agreement. Five years after a devastating fire, Notre-Dame de Paris is opening her doors once again. Autodesk honors the countless architects, artisans, engineers, and builders who worked tirelessly to bring Notre-Dame de Paris back to life. https://autode.sk/41cCJ0C ____________________________ Le 15 avril 2019, une vague d’émotion a submergé le monde entier alors que les flammes envahissaient l'emblématique cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Mais avec ce drame, vint la promesse de la rebâtir. Les images de l’incendie ont également suscité une vague de soutien mondiale, à laquelle Autodesk a souhaité s’associer dès le début. Par une donation, mais également, sur l’impulsion de notre CEO Andrew Anagnost, par son expertise en matière de modélisation numérique 3D des bâtiments. Un groupe de travail a rapidement été constitué afin d’assister l'Établissement public Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris tout au long du processus de sécurisation du site et de restauration. Autodesk s’est également associée à Art Graphique & Patrimoine (AGP), l’un des leaders français du relevé laser et de la numérisation des monuments historiques. Grâce à ce partenariat, un modèle numérique de Notre-Dame a été créé. Ce modèle BIM, le premier au monde concernant un monument historique de cette taille, mais aussi les logiciels Autodesk permettant d’en tirer tous les bénéfices, ont été fournis à titre gratuit à l’Etablissement public à travers la signature d’un mécénat technologique et de compétences. Ce modèle numérique 3D a facilité la visualisation, la simulation, la coordination, l'optimisation de la planification, de la logistique et de la sécurité sur le chantier. Cinq ans après un incendie dévastateur, Notre-Dame de Paris ouvre à nouveau ses portes. Autodesk rend hommage aux innombrables architectes, artisans, ingénieurs et bâtisseurs qui ont travaillé sans relâche pour redonner vie à Notre-Dame de Paris.
I read about this as well . Thank you to Autodesk for helping restore a global jewel. Luv it.
What an amazing project for Autodesk to be a part of. Thank you for supporting our team - especially the amazingly talented Clémence Arto - in bringing Autodesk as partner in this historic renovation project
What an incredible recovery of a global jewel and very cool personal connection.
It was so cool to see Autodesk included in the celebration. Congrats to everyone who has been working on this historic and deeply meaningful project!
of course you did :)
Love the story, Andrew. And what an incredible project for Autodesk to be involved in! Congrats to the whole team.
Such a great nexus of your personal and professional, Andrew! Proud of Autodesk support and innovation for this project.
Global Marketing & Communications Executive | Emerging Technology & Digital Innovation Leader | Startup Builder & CEO | Board Director | Art•Tech•Culture | Alum: Venture Studio, Saatchi Art, CBS Sports, The White House
1wSo special to learn about your grandfather. Congratulations on playing such an important role in rebuilding this jewel in my most favorite city.