What does Our Metropolitan President Mean for Cities?

What will the new president do for cities?

President-elect Barack Obama is the first US leader in a long time to hale from a large metropolis, specifically Chicago, where he's witnessed not only urban challenges equal to any in the US, but also a rich and proud architecture culture. What does mean for architecture and design? That's theme of today's DnA. featuring Ghanaian-Brit architect David Adjaye, historian Kevin Starr, and Krista Kline of the LA Mayor's office. In terms of street fashion, I think his debonair urbanity portends a change in style; and in terms of urban policy and design, his empathy could portend an enlightened approach, even involving "new, new deal" investment in energy and infrastructure. Starr talks about FDR's original New Deal, which celebates its 75th anniversary this year. See post below for more on New Deal graphics.

Also, you may have heard bad reviews about Quantum of Solace but the latest Bond flick gets an A+ for architecture. Hear why from Steve Rose at London's Guardian.

And it's a grim day for GM, currently in DC begging for a bailout, and refraining from debuting any new cars at the Los Angeles auto show that opens to press tomorrow. We chose to talk with Chris Mount about the LA contribution to auto design, taking place under our noses at the styling studios here.