
Architects: Archi5 Location: Pontault Combault, France Project Year: 2008 Photographs: Thomas Jorion

Architects: Archi5 Location: Pontault Combault, France Project Year: 2008 Photographs: Thomas Jorion

Architects: Hampton+Rivoira+Arquitectos Location: Escobar, Provincia of Buenos Aires, Argentina Architects In Charge: Jorge Hampton, Emilio Rivoira Associated Architect: Cristian Carnicer Design Team: Roberto Lombardi, María Eugenia García Castera, María Eugenia Viña Raznovich, Juan Reartes, Ignacio Ruiz Orrico, Diego Tablada, Emilia Alvarado, Anahi Fedrizzi Project Year: 2009 Photographs: Jorge Hampton, Emilio Rivoira, Fernando Mayán, Fundación Temaikén

Architects: Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos Location: Laguna Verde, V Region, Chile Project Year: 2009 Photographs: Courtesy of Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos

Architects: 3.14 GA Location: Rueda, Valladolid, Spain Project Year: 2012 Photographs: Jara Varela

Architects: Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos, Carlos Bisbal Location: Valparaiso, Chile Project Year: 2008 Photographs: Francisca Domínguez

Architects: Metropolis Location: Lima, Peru Architect in Charge: José Orrego Project Area: 569 sqm Photographs: Juan Solano

Architects: Archi5 Location: Belfort, France Project Year: 2012 Photographs: Fabien Terreaux and Amoor Maadi

The outcome of the 2012 United States presidential election will have global economic implications. In the midst of one of the most severe global recessions in history, policymakers around the world are waiting to see which way the United States will go this coming November. Will it stay the course of potential recovery—as yet incomplete—set by President Barack Obama? Or will it veer to the right into the still vague and undefined policies of challenger Mitt Romney?
For architecture specifically there is much at stake in this, the most expensive presidential race in history, where two contrasting visions of government’s role in the economy are boiling over. The Democrats advocate a course of continued federal investment and regulation to steer the country through rough economic waters they say were created by eight years of Republican policies. The Republicans point the finger and say Obama’s policies have not succeeded. They prioritize bringing down the deficit, reducing the size of the federal government and less regulation. Both sets of policies claim to be the answer to get the economy growing again.
Regardless of who wins the chances that economic growth will magically spring back to pre-recession levels are slim to non-existent. But whose policies would be more likely to at least make the long climb out of the well more tolerable?
Vote in our Presidential Poll after the break

Whether you’re looking to design a beautiful new kitchen or elevate your next dinner party, you’ll enjoy the Jenn-Air® Master Class Series of videos from Jenn-Air®. Featuring a panel of esteemed experts, including two designers and one chef, the series aims to give viewers who love to entertain or who are contemplating a kitchen renovation an in-depth look at some of the latest culinary, design and entertaining trends.