The Obamas, Design and Architecture

Today, after two years of an extraordinarily exciting and inspiring campaign, the Obamas have taken Washington. Having become a US citizen just two weeks before the election, I am proud to be part of this amazing moment.

But what does this mean, if anything, for design and architecture? Well, it includes pop culture's influence on, and from, what they wear, to Chicago's example when it comes to nation-building; it means the thinking that goes into the design of presidential transportation (how do you make an armored car appear not too aggressive?) and last but not least, the thinking that goes into decorating the White House. So listen to DnA today to hear from Todd Boyd, AKA The Notorious Ph’d, on the first couple’s “cool” style; Hello Beautiful’s Edward Lifson on lessons learned from Chicago; Dan Neil on fortifying the presidential limo; and Diana Dorrans Saeks on new White House designer Michael Smith.