OBR Open Building Research has been established in 2000 with the idea of creating a design network, researching new ways of living, working within the confluence of architecture and landscape. The team of OBR develops the experimental line through the participation in international projects involved in public and social programs in newly advanced urban development countries as China, India, Brazil.

The founding partners Paolo Brescia (born 6 July 1970) and Tommaso Principi (born 20 May 1970) have been working together in Renzo Piano Building Workshop and collaborate with Architectural Design courses of the Faculty of Architecture of Università degli Studi di Genova.  They link their working experience with the academic world, lecturing widely, including at Kent State University, Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio, Helsinki Aalto University, Academy of Architecture of Mumbai. Their projects have been shown at 10th Biennale di Venezia (2006), Architecture: Where to, London (2007), V Bienal de Arquitetura in Brasilia (2007), XI Bienal Internacional de Arquitectura in Buenos Aires (2007), AR Award Exhibition in Berlin, Budapest and Seul (2008), Shanghai International Expo (2010). Paolo and Tommaso have been awarded with AR Awards honourable mention for Emerging Architecture at the RIBA London (2007), Plusform award for Best architecture realized by young architect under 40 (2008), Urbanpromo by INU at 11th Biennale di Venezia (2008), honourable mention finalist for the Gold Medal for Italian Architecture at Triennale di Milano (2009), Europe 40 Under 40 in Madrid (2010), In/Arch and Ance premium for the best realised project in Italy designed by young architect (2011).