ZEIA is an architecture studio founded by Andra Ionel and Elena Zara.
They aim to create memorable spaces and explore the infinite possibilities of architecture, beyond dogmas and social conventions.
Andra Ionel studied architecture at the UAUIM in Bucharest and at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. She has worked in several offices in Europe and the USA (Basel, Freiburg, Karlsruhe and New York). Since 2020 she has been a lecturer at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio, where she teaches a first year bachelor design studio.
Elena Zara studied architecture at the UAUIM in Bucharest and at the UPC-ETSAV in Barcelona. She has been involved in various NGO projects and has collaborated with Pro Patrimonio. Since 2016, she has been working as a project architect and team leader in different types of housing projects. She is a teaching assistant at the University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest.
PROJECTS
2024_ Multifunctional hall, Bucharest, RO, private commission. In collaboration with Adrian Andrei & Ana Vlaiculescu, in construction
2024_ Non formal Kindergarten, Bucharest, RO, private commission, in construction
2024_ Refurbishment house in Brasov, RO, completed
2024_ APT 40mp, RO, completed
2024_ APT Vlahuta, Bucharest, RO, completed
2024_ Holiday House in Melicesti, RO, study
2024_ Sport hall, Bucharest, RO, feasibility study
2024_ Covered walkway, Mondelez factory, Bucharest, RO, feasibility study
2023_ Europan 17, Leipzig, DE, competition entry, in collaboration with HERAMARTE office
2023_ Help Campus, Hunedoara, RO, competition entry, 2nd prize
2022_ Parish hall, Liestal, CH, competition entry
2021_ House for a family with 2 kids, Pitesti, RO, private commission, ongoing
2021_ House in an orchard, Piscu, RO, private commission
2021_ Kindergarten, St. Gallen, CH, competition entry, in collaboration with Denisa Balaj
2021_ House in Zarnesti, RO, refurbishment, completed
2020_ HGZZ Pavillon in Park, Zurich, CH, competition entry, in collaboration with Denisa Balaj
2020_ Habitat for Humanity, social housing, competition entry, mention
2019_ Retro APT, Bucharest, RO, completed
2019_CZ house refurbishment, Buftea, RO, study
PRESS
2024_ BETA Timisoara Biennial, publication, "Solitude is good company", curated by Zeller & Moye
2023_ MAZZOCCHIOO magazine, article by Andra Ionel
2023_ Guest critic by atelier Alexander Tochtermann, HTWK, Leipzig, DE
2023_ “Domestic topographies” at NVJ in Cluj-Napoca, lecture by Elena Zara
2019_ Review "Non-Referential Architecture: ideated by Valerio Olgiati, written by Markus Breitschmid", in SITA - Seasoned Modernism. Prudent perspectives on an Unwary Past, publication by Andra Ionel
2015_ Create your Bucharest, Vienna Art Biennale, Project exhibition at MAK Vienna "Mapping Bucharest: art, memory and revolution 1916-2016"