In Lviv, restoration is beginning on the roof of a historic building at 3 Soborna Square, damaged as a result of an enemy strike on 24 March. Craftsmen from the French association “Carpenters Without Borders”, who took part in restoring the wooden structures of Notre-Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire, will join the work. This was reported by Lviv City Council.
The French specialists met with the Mayor, Andriy Sadovyi, and presented their experience of restoring historic buildings using traditional woodworking techniques, in particular on the Notre-Dame project. They stressed that their involvement in the Lviv project is an expression of solidarity with Ukrainians and at the same time holds professional interest.
“We are deeply impressed by the great cultural, architectural and social value of the sites we have visited here. One can say that this architectural ensemble of the cathedral is, in effect, unique for Europe… Taking part in such a project is above all an expression of our solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” said François Calame, a French ethnologist, heritage conservation specialist and president of the international association “Carpenters Without Borders”.
Paul Rambaud, a French master carpenter and specialist in traditional timber construction, explained that the restoration of the roof of the building at 3 Soborna Square is planned in two stages. The first stage will involve preparing and processing the timber, which, according to preliminary estimates, will last around two weeks. About 20 professional carpenters are expected to be involved in this work.
The second stage will take place later. In addition to professional craftsmen, volunteers and interested students will also take part. The French carpenters emphasised that they pay particular attention to passing on knowledge to the younger generation and are used to working with apprentices and students, in order not only to restore the monument, but also to pass the craft on.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi highlighted the importance of preserving the city's architectural heritage and thanked the French craftsmen for their willingness to share their experience, expressing hope for the practical continuation of the cooperation.
During their visit to Lviv, representatives of the “Carpenters Without Borders” association also visited the Ukrainian National Forestry University, where students will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of the French specialists in the field of traditional timber construction.