Requiring no introduction, iconic French architect Claude Parent - together with theorist and urbanist Paul Virilio - famously developed the theory of 'fonction oblique’ in the 1960s, which explored the concept of a fluid form of design - with ramps, curves and geometries in mind. In an article exploring Parent's work back in 2007 (W*98), we eked out a few of his most famous designs, such as the Villa Drusch and the Sainte Bernadette du Banlay.
For those with a passion for the 1923-born Académie des Beaux-Arts member, a major retrospective of Parent's work has recently opened at the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris, featuring 92 projects completed between 1960 and 2009.
Designed by French starchitect Jean Nouvel, the exhibition uncovers both built and paper architecture - from numerous drawings and sketches, to architectural models and built work photography by, among others, Gilles Ehrmann and Dominique Delaunay. The show also includes a special section, which elaborates on Parent's theory of the architectural ‘oblique’, alongside collaborations with Swiss sculptor and painter Jean Tinguely and French artist Yves Klein.
Ranging from private houses - like the André Bloc House and the Michel Carrade House - through to churches, schools and commercial space designs, the show offers an in-depth introduction to the work of this great modernist.
A catalogue outlining everything you need to know about Parent and his work is on sale now at the Cité’s shop - the first monograph on the architect’s work since 1982.
Iran House, on the Paris XIV university campus (1960-1968).
Maquette of Iran House (1960-1968) by Heydar Ghiaï, Mohsen Foroughi, André Bloc and Claude Parent. © Gaston Bergeret / Collection DAF / Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, Archives d’architecture du XXe siècle.
Andre Bloc House in Cap d’Antibes, (1959-1962).
Upper living room view at the Andre Bloc House in Cap d’Antibes, (1959-1962).
Bordeaux le Pecq House in Bois le Roy (1963-1966).
Bordeaux le Pecq House in Bois le Roy (1963-1966).
Drusch House in Versailles: view of the cubic volume which sits above the living area.
North side of the Church of Sainte-Bernadette du Banlay in Nevers, by Claude Parent with Paul Virilio, Odette Ducarre, Morice Lipsi and Michel Carrade (1963-1966). © Dominique Delaunay.
An interior perspective of the Church of Sainte-Bernadette du Banlay in Nevers, by Claude Parent with Paul Virilio, Odette Ducarre, Morice Lipsi and Michel Carrade (1963-1966).
Primary sketch of the Church of Sainte-Bernadette du Banlay in Nevers (1963-1966).
Exterior view of Carrade House in Tarn (1972-1974).
ADDRESS
Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, Paris, France
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