Marcio Kogan highlights challenges facing architects in Brazil

Marcio Kogan, a prominent architect from Brazil, reflects on the significant challenges he has encountered during his 40-year career in architecture. Brazil's ongoing crises have created a difficult environment for managing architectural practices, where the early years of establishing an office are particularly tough. Kogan’s experiences echo those of many architects who venture into independent practice, often fraught with difficulties. The escalating crisis in Brazil poses major threats to the profession, with bureaucratic hurdles further complicating project approvals. Moreover, profound cultural and socioeconomic issues hinder progress, making it essential for architects to adapt and innovate in their approaches. Kogan emphasizes the contemporary struggles within the profession, such as navigating governmental regulations influenced by traditional practices like Vastu Shastra in India and the public approval processes elsewhere. Architectural initiatives in Brazil are particularly stifled during this tumultuous period, jeopardizing the future of design as construction projects face delays and cancellations. The architect laments the detrimental effects this crisis has on not only the profession but also the urban landscape of Brazil, where architecture struggles to respond adequately to societal needs and pressures. Reflecting on his travels, Kogan contrasts Brazil’s challenges with the systematic urban planning observed in Singapore. He admires the city's ambition to accommodate a rising population within a limited geographic space, crediting its pragmatic governance for the successful urban solutions employed. He has explored projects like OMA's 'The Interlace', which seeks to address dense living harmoniously. Kogan suggests that Brazil would benefit greatly from learning from more efficient management systems and innovative architectural solutions. Despite the overwhelming obstacles faced in the Brazilian architectural landscape, Kogan expresses a hopeful outlook for the future. He believes that architects have a responsibility to design with a cultural sensitivity that is often lacking in contemporary urbanization. His advice to young architects includes staying resilient amidst crises and focusing on creating designs that enhance the lives of inhabitants, aiming for a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment. As Kogan reflects on the arduous beginnings of his career, he encourages the new generation of architects to persist and remain optimistic about their potential impact on the built environment.