Zeppelin has organized four editions (2004-2010) of the Bucharest Architecture Biennale (today called the National Architecture Biennale). Thus, an important event for all the architects, but virtually unknown outside the profession, has grown exponentially in scope, visibility and popularity, and gained a new identity. The architectural discourse and current production problems were placed in an international context and opened to interdisciplinary dialogue and to an educated public.
The organizing task has been commissioned by the Union of Architects of Romania and it required managing the event, securing external funding (entirely for the first editions, then at a rate of 75-80%), promotion, itineraries etc.
The changes that have been introduced by the team were: building a general theme, introducing prestigious international architects in the jury of the contest/exhibition for the projects belonging to Romanian architects, placing the exhibition in public and accessible spaces (Bucharest City Museum, then ¾ Gallery from the National Theatre), building a related cultural program (more exhibitions, conferences), organizing itineraries in 10 and then 14 cities around the country, intensive promotion in the specialized media, but especially in the cultural and mainstream channels.
BAB 2004
Organizers: Zeppelin team, the Union of Architects of Romania, the University of Architecture and Urbanism “Ion Mincu”.
Main sponsors: Carpatcement, Graphisoft, Delta Distribution.
Sponsors: Knauf, Titan Mar, Stage Expert, Franke, Hewlett Packard, Wienerberger, Cotnari, Cărtureşti, National Housing Agency, National Investment Company, Ruukki
BAB 2006
Organizers: Zeppelin team, the Union of Architects of Romania.
Main sponsors: Henkel, DuPont Romania.
Sponsors: Knauf, Velux, Bramac, MonsMedius, Delta Design, Hunter Douglas, Steelcase Romania, Isover, Lafarge, Xerox, Fakro.
Event organized with the support of: Bicau, Bucharest Sector 1 City Hall, Ministry of Culture, the National Cultural Fund Administration, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Investment Company, the Japanese Embassy in Bucharest, Japan Foundation, Stage Expert
BAB 2008
Organizers: Zeppelin team, the Union of Architects of Romania.
Supported by the Romanian Peasant Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Bucharest City Museum, the National Cultural Fund Administration, Czech Center.
Partner: Cembrit.
Main sponsors: Final Distribution, Velux, National Commission for Investment.
Sponsors: Rheinzink, APLA, ALUKONIGSTAHL, Kludi, Steelcase, Energobit, Bramac, Rigips, Bicau, Romstal Cărtureşti.
BAB 2010
Organizers: Zeppelin Association, the Union of Architects of Romania.
Supported by the Dutch Embassy, the Polish Institute, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Cultural Fund Administration, ERSTE Foundation, the Swiss Architecture Museum in Basel, Asirom, Austrian Cultural Forum, Quehenberger, Goethe Institute, Center for Visual Instrospecţie.
Partner: Roca.
Sponsors: Rockwool, Velux, Lafarge, FSB, Hafele, Knauf Insulation, Energobit Schreder, Egger, Fastius, Bang & Olufsen, BMW- official car of BAB 2010 Geze.
