Marcio Kogan Architecture curates living and breathing works of art; not just conventional architectural structures.

This Brazilian modernist architect opened a new realm of architecture into the world. With Studio MK27 making its way into the urban environment of Peru, Uruguay, Chile, the United States, and many more, Marcio Kogan is renowned for his minimalist and sustainable designs. 

Let’s look into how his clean lines and open spaces seamlessly interlocked with nature, making an indelible mark in architecture. 

Early days

Born in 1946 in S?o Paulo, Brazil, Kogan’s architectural journey began in the 1960s. With an early career split between cinema and architecture, he launched short films and architectural exhibits.

?I’ve had a strong link with the movies since my days as a student. This created a spontaneous work process for me. I always create a character that is going to live in or use the space in question.?

He was deeply influenced by the works of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe. Kogan’s early projects showcased his growing interest in creating spaces that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. His designs often featured internal spatial sensibilities and openness, geometric shapes, large windows, and a minimalist approach to ornamentation with a muted approach towards colours and materials. 

“Architecture in cinematic widescreen.?

He took many elements from the field of filmmaking into architecture, like the proportions, lighting, and even elements of surprise.

His early projects with Isay Weinfeld include some iconic architectural structures fused with unique narratives like Hotel Fasano and Casa Goldfarb.

Connect to Brazil

Marcio Kogan believes in the boldness and beauty of his signature low-profile frames and uninterrupted lines with fine-fashioned interiors and polished Brazilian wood. 

“The openness and the huge integration of the interior and the exterior. This is also our mission when we design abroad: to open up the buildings to the outside world!”

With a generous use of concrete, cantilevered roofs and pops of colour, it is described as a contemporary continuation of Brazil’s modernism. The multiple use of textures, materials, and shapes, was all due to the delegation of an interplay of light and shadow. 

The wide use of mashrabiyas denoted his signature style in Brazil, which was interpreted as jaali screens in India. Kogan’s commitment to sustainability is evident in many of his projects. He is known for his use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, and his emphasis on passive design strategies.?

The Marbella Marvel 

Introducing Casa Mashabriya, a debut project of Kogan located in the exclusive El Madro?al community. This project redefines luxurious living and design with state-of-the-art interiors designed to impress and offer serene views.

“Architecture is not just about space. It?s about how light reflects the space.?

Benefitting from exclusivity and accessibility, the gated community assures safety and security while being close to Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and the marina of Puerto Banus. Using minimalist design principles, it offers fully equipped facilities like gyms, wellness centres, a sauna, a cinema room, and much more. 

The entire project is crafted with locally sourced marble and designed to merge with the surrounding nature. Inclusive of six plush bedrooms with luxe bathrooms and a seventh bedroom perfect for guests. 

Indulging in some sustainable architectural practices, the project boasts energy-efficient windows, superior insulation, and solar panels along with home automation systems. 

A visit to India

Marcio, being an all-time foodie, began his research on Indian culture through culinary and during his visit to India took up intensive classes of Vastu Shastra where he learned the norms of traditional Indian architecture. He admired the concept of Vastu and rigorously followed it from the site to the spaces. 

His first project in India, Casa Vanashree is one of the contemporary residential architecture projects that proposed a large private house in Delhi, commissioned by Shobhan Mittal. 

?It’s not a house, it’s an Indian palace!?, says Kogan. 

The residence was modelled on 5000 sqm and took the form of his signature style of uninterrupted clean lines. The form took shape as a horizontal form of the famous Antilia, to house three generations of the Mittal Family. The entrance holds a small temple surrounded by water followed by a succession of shades patios and open courtyards. 

Minotti

The dynamic partnership of the Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan with the renowned Minotti approached design brilliance. 

Inspired by nature, his designs took the form of clean lines and warm wooden accents to create the Quadrado outdoor seating system in 2018.  Characterised by a cluster of squares, this seating arrangement is composed of natural materials like straw, wood, stone, and fabric. 

The modular wooden latticework platform is a signature style, reapplied to this piece of furniture to generate an organic composition for the area. The main module is the wooden platform, followed by seats and backs. Additionally added accessories like side tables, sun umbrellas, lights and trays are designed for outdoor use. 

Marcio Kogan had also contributed to some indoor designs with Minotti, such as Daiki armchairs, the Boteco family of sideboards and the Linha tables and coffee tables.

In the year 2022, his perspective of Horizonte, composed of geometric forms and materials into a seating system soon evolved into a Horizonte Bed in 2023. This was accompanied by the Superblocks series for storage featuring smooth lines and squares that make each piece. 

Designed in 2024, the Trio armchair from which the Trio Outdoor version for open-air spaces also takes shape. Made of only leather, fabric, and wood, this skillfully designed seat is named owing to its composition of three materials. The touch of the tactile seat with the comfort it offers, provides an evocative sensory experience through its refinement. 

Curating many influential architectural projects, Kogan?s architectural legacy is a testament to minimalist and sustainable practices. His innovative approach is influenced by his Brazilian modernist design with twists of varied cultures. His work continues to inspire by delivering an enduring and timeless appeal design.

Sources

• https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.minotti.com/en/marcio-kogan-studio-mk27&usg=AOvVaw1AnF6fkNjtu_bWSz5XfcjG&cs=1&hl=en-US
• https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/an-interview-with-architect-marcio-kogan
• https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.designpataki.com/brazilian-architect-marcio-kogan-of-studio-mk27-on-modernism-luxury-ecotourism-and-hospitality-design/&usg=AOvVaw0xgruNTK66KfIXk73HGfsp&cs=1&hl=en-US
• https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.architecturaldigest.in/content/the-wide-influence-of-architect-marcio-kogan/&usg=AOvVaw0PUXb9cDCox0yH0fjFobBY&cs=1&hl=en-US