
Why cooling the planet is the next big design problem
From Buildings 2.0 by Integrated Projects
November 25, 2025 · 52 min · Episode 65
About this episode
Jose Cruz interviews Michael Ermann about the intersection of architecture, education, and sustainability in addressing climate change.
In this episode, Jose Cruz interviews Michael Ermann, an architecture professor and founder of Amber Book, discussing his journey in architecture, the importance of visual learning, the evolution of teaching methods, and the role of AI in education. They explore sustainability in architecture, the impact of materials, and the challenges of existing buildings, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to address climate change and improve building efficiency. Takeaways Everyone is a visual learner, not just architects. The in-person teaching model remains essential despite online advancements. AI has become a valuable tool in education and learning. Sustainability in architecture requires a focus on materials and energy efficiency. Architects should not shy away from pushing back against engineers. The overhead plane in architecture is crucial for design quality. Current architectural trends often overlook the importance of building systems. The future of teaching will involve more technology and online resources. Existing buildings present significant challenges for sustainability efforts. Big ideas and innovative thinking are necessary to address climate change.
People in this episode
Host: Jose Cruz
Guest: Michael Ermann
Topics covered
- sustainability
- architecture
- education
- AI in education
- building efficiency
- visual learning
- design challenges
Keywords
- architecture
- sustainability
- AI
- education
- building efficiency
- visual learning
- design
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Amber Book
Places: climate change
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