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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][2]
The OBR team has 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: the 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.
OBR has incorporated LEED environmental standards into its design approach, as demonstrated in projects such as Casa BFF Milan and Bassi Business Park.[3][4]
And in 2009, OBR became a partner of the GBC (Green Building Council) in 2009.[5]
Projects
editNotable 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.[6]
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
editThe firm has received numerous awards[7] including:
- The AR Award for Emerging Architecture at RIBA (2007)
- Plusform Under 40 (2008)
- Urbanpromo at the 11th Venice Biennale (2008)
- Europe 40 Under 40 in Madrid (2010)
- Leaf Award overall winner in London (2011)
- WAN Residential Award (2012)
- Building Healthcare Award (2014)
- In/Arch Award for Italian Architecture (2015)
- AAP American Architecture Prize for Architectural Design (2016)
- Best Italian Project Award, Milano (2022)
- MIPIM Awards, Best New Development, Cannes (2024)
References
edit- ^ Borsa, Davide (2016-02-11). "Serendipitous design". Giornale dell'Architettura (in Italian). Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Artemide - OBR - Open Building Research". www.artemide.com. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
- ^ "CASA BFF MILAN - OBR | Open Building Research". Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "BASSI BUSINESS PARK - OBR | Open Building Research". Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Green Building Council Italia". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
- ^ Architects, Share (2017-07-18). "Paolo Brescia on Heritage and Future Expectations at SHARE Forum 2017". SHARE Architects. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Awards - OBR | Open Building Research". 2022-01-25. Retrieved 2025-08-27.