Design First, Materials Second: Marc Rosenbaum on Getting Back to Basics

Marc Rosenbaum, P.E. joins us to ask a big question: In our push for high-performance buildings and low-carbon materials, have we lost sight of the design basics that really move the needle? Think orientation, overhangs, glazing ratios, and surface-to-volume — the stuff that shaped early energy-efficient design and still matters today. Marc challenges us to rethink how we prioritize materials versus design, and why a climate-conscious future means returning to the principles that started it all.

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Special Announcement: The Building Science Symposium Series now has a dedicated website: https://buildingsciencesymposium.com/. Next up: Kansas City, MO on Sept. 9th & 10th!

Our Guest Expert:
Marc has been figuring out how to make buildings better—for people and the planet—for over 45 years. A pioneer in integrated systems design, he helps teams create spaces that are deeply connected to the natural world and grounded in practical performance. His work spans Zero Net Energy buildings, deep energy retrofits, electrification, Passive Houses, and the Living Building Challenge. He’s been nationally recognized by ASHRAE, AIA, EEBA, and NESEA—though, in his words, they didn’t see all the mistakes along the way.

Learn more at: https://www.energysmiths.com

The BS*+Beer Show hosts:

Ben Bogie, BPC Green Builders
https://www.bpcgreenbuilders.com
  / benbogie  

Emily Mottram, Mottram Architecture
https://www.mottramarch.com
  / mottramarch  

Michael Maines, Maines Design
https://www.maines.design
  / michaelmaines  

Travis Brungardt, Catalyst Construction
https://www.catalystbuilt.com
  / catalystbuilt