OBR Open Building Research

Open Building Research (OBR) is a design network connecting Milan, London, and New York. It was established in 2000 by Paolo Brescia and Tommaso Principi to investigate new approaches to contemporary living. After working with Renzo Piano, Paolo and Tommaso shifted OBR’s focus toward integrating artifice and nature, creating sensitive architecture in perpetual evolution, and stimulating interaction between people and their environment.^[1]

The OBR team developed its design practice through public and private social programs, using architecture to promote community spirit and individual identity. Today, the OBR group collaborates with several multidisciplinary contributors and institutions including Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio, Aalto University, the Academy of Architecture of Mumbai, and Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.

OBR's work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale of Architecture, the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, the Bienal de Arquitetura of Brasília, MAXXI in Rome, and the Triennale di Milano.

Since 2004, OBR has aligned its design parameters with LEED environmental standards, and became a partner of the GBC (Green Building Council) in 2009.^[2]

Projects

Notable OBR projects include the Pythagoras Museum, the New Galleria Sabauda in Turin, the Milanofiori Residential Complex, the Children's Hospital in Parma, Galliera Hospital in Genoa, the Lido of Genoa, Ex Cinema Roma, and the Triennale di Milano Terrace.^[3]

Current projects under construction include the Lehariya Cluster in Jaipur, the Jafza Traders Market in Dubai, and the Multiuse Complex Ahmad Qasir in Tehran.

Awards

The firm has received numerous awards^{[citation needed]} including:

• The AR Award for Emerging Architecture at RIBA
• Plusform Under 40
• Urbanpromo at the 11th Venice Biennale
• Honorable mention for the Medaglia d'Oro all'Architettura Italiana
• Europe 40 Under 40 in Madrid
• Leaf Award overall winner in London
• WAN Residential Award
• Building Healthcare Award
• Inarch Award for Italian Architecture
• The American Architecture Prize in New York