Oblique Function theory

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Oblique Function theory is an architectural concept developed by Claude Parent (often with Paul Virilio) that advocates sloping, inclined planes in buildings to disrupt traditional vertical-horizontal spatial organization and transform how people move and inhabit space.

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Predicate Object
instanceOf architectural concept
architectural theory
advocatesUseOf inclined planes
sloping planes
aimsTo disrupt traditional architectural orthogonality
transform human movement in space
transform modes of inhabitation
alsoKnownAs Function of the Oblique NERFINISHED
appliedIn church designs by Claude Parent
experimental housing projects
associatedWithArchitect Claude Parent NERFINISHED
associatedWithTheorist Paul Virilio NERFINISHED
centralIdea floor, wall, and ceiling distinctions are destabilized
oblique surfaces replace flat floors as primary circulation zones
challenges conventional notions of comfort in architecture
passive occupation of space
coDeveloper Paul Virilio NERFINISHED
conceptualFocus instability and imbalance as design tools
kinesthetic experience of space
critiques Cartesian grid in architecture
developedIn 1960s
developedInCountry France NERFINISHED
emphasizes continuous oblique surfaces
dynamic bodily engagement with architecture
encourages active bodily participation in architecture
nonlinear circulation paths
hasDesignElement continuous interior-exterior oblique planes
ramps used as primary living surfaces
tilted floors connecting multiple levels
hasPhilosophicalDimension critique of sedentary lifestyles
redefinition of domestic space as terrain
historicalContext postwar French architectural experimentation
inArchitectureHistory considered a precursor to some late-20th-century experimental practices
influenced later experimental architectural practices
influencedBy modernist architecture
involves integration of circulation and inhabitation on sloped surfaces
mainProponent Claude Parent NERFINISHED
opposes strict vertical-horizontal spatial organization
proposes architecture as a field of forces rather than static volumes
relatedConcept kinetic perception of space
topological architecture
relatedTo deconstructivist architecture
radical architecture
seeksTo challenge habitual patterns of dwelling
induce new postures and bodily orientations
theorizedBy Paul Virilio in writings on speed and space

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Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Claude Parent notableWork Oblique Function theory