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Márcio Kogan: Light, Time, and Brazilian Modernism Reinterpreted

  • Writer: IDEAS DESIGN STUDIO, LLC
    IDEAS DESIGN STUDIO, LLC
  • Oct 10
  • 2 min read

Planar House - Photography: Fernando Guerra
Planar House - Photography: Fernando Guerra

When we talk about contemporary architecture in Brazil, the name Márcio Kogan is an unavoidable reference. An architect, filmmaker, and visual storyteller, Kogan has managed to fuse the tradition of Brazilian modernism with a poetic and minimalist vision, where light, time, and the tropical climate take center stage. His studio, MK27, is now an international symbol of residential design, commercial architecture, and large-scale projects that prioritize sustainability and sensory experience.


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Born in São Paulo in 1952, Márcio Kogan is the son of engineer Aron Kogan, creator of some of the city's most iconic skyscrapers. In 1976, he graduated in Architecture and Urbanism from Mackenzie Presbyterian University, and during his early years he alternated between architecture and cinema, collaborating with his colleague Isay Weinfeld on short films and the movie Fogo e Paixão. This cinematic influence is still reflected today in his way of conceiving spaces, thought of as a narrative sequence where light, shadows, and the movement of the user become scenes.


His architectural philosophy is based on a reinterpretation of the Brazilian modernism of Oscar Niemeyer and Lina Bo Bardi, but with a contemporary language that favors simplicity, natural materials such as wood and concrete, and integration with the environment. Kogan's architecture seeks to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, take advantage of the tropical climate through cross ventilation and light-filtering lattices, and create warm environments through meticulous details. Unlike other renowned architects, Kogan promotes a collaborative practice at MK27, where each project is co-authored, reinforcing the idea of collective work.


Among his most notable works are Paraty House, an icon published in media outlets around the world; Planar House, which integrates nature and architecture through a habitable green roof; House 6, an example of transparency and interior-exterior connection; and the Patina Maldives resort, where the architecture blends in with the natural landscape. His projects not only include luxury homes, but also hotels, offices, commercial spaces, and interior design, consolidating his contribution on multiple scales.


House 6 - Photography: Pedro Kok
House 6 - Photography: Pedro Kok

Márcio Kogan's legacy is internationally recognized with more than 200 awards and honorary membership in the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In addition, he has been invited to represent Brazil at the Venice Architecture Biennale and is actively involved in training new generations through teaching. His work demonstrates that architecture is not only construction, but also narrative, emotion, and respect for context.


In short, Márcio Kogan is a bridge between Brazilian modernism and sensitive contemporary architecture, combining innovation and tradition. His cinematic vision, his commitment to sustainability, and his emphasis on collaboration make his work a source of inspiration for both architects and designers.


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