ORBI is a living association where students, teachers, and creators unite to learn through building, growing, and experimenting.
From its early explorations in architecture and craft, ORBI has evolved into a platform for seasonal schools, attracting students from creative institutions across Europe. Since its inception in 2019, over 250 students have participated in ORBI’s seasonal schools.
At its core is a belief in grounded, hands-on learning that remains open to the unknown.
- ORBI hosts ORBI's Summer Schools on Architecture
- It is a collaboration between Dinesen and the Royal Danish Academy, Institute of Architecture and Culture
- Initiated by architect and PhD fellow Peter Møller Rasmussen and Brand and Art Director Hans Peter Dinesen
- The school takes place at a historical estate near Dinesen’s headquarters in Vrå, Denmark
Students at ORBI Summer School
ORBI's Summer Schools on Architecture 2021 focused on creating a residency. Unfolding at Dinesen's facilities in Vrå, Urbi et Orbi* invited students to engage with the local landscape, biology, and buildings to construct a new learning environment: an ORBI residency.
The residency programme significantly expanded ORBI's founding principles, going beyond architecture and welcoming new fields and perspectives.
*Common phrase in the papal blessing of Rome since the 13th century, meaning “for the city and for the world.” In everyday usage, it carries a broader sense—“everywhere and anywhere.”
The Fishing Hut: a 2020 ORBI project
The Fishing Hut
Drawing of the The Fishing Hut
In Denmark, a forening (association) is a community of voluntary members organised around shared interests. These associations can look very different and have different foundations, but their importance to the members' cultural and social lives is similar.
ORBI is rooted in this tradition. It is a non-profit, democratic association driven by its members. This collective approach reflects Denmark's deep commitment to civic engagement and community building. Dinesen's long-standing values align with this vision.
ORBI is one way the Dinesen family continues its legacy — supporting future generations to experiment, collaborate, and shape something meaningful.
House for Collections, Jels
Each ORBI Summer School programme explores the idea of resourceful architecture, using materials and methods that are resource-conscious and rich in narrative. Students work with traditional techniques while embracing the potential of modern technologies.
This balance between past and future runs through every project, blending craftsmanship, experimentation, and intention.
Long table dining
House of ORBI, Vrå
ORBI is a member-driven association that now hosts seasonal schools throughout the year:
Having hosted six summer schools, ORBI has grown into a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary exploration, supported by a community of students, teachers, architects, artists, and thinkers.
Explore seasonal schools
ORBI is more than a school. It's a gathering place for curiosity, learning, and meaningful exchange. It's where ideas take shape and legacies are built — not just in structures, but in community.