LAF Accepting Applications for the 2022 CSI Program
Sourced from the Landscape Architecture Foundation
Are you interested in evaluating and documenting the benefits of a high-performing landscape project? Faculty and design firms are encouraged to apply in partnership for the next CSI program, which will run Feb - Aug 2022.
The Case Study Investigation (CSI) program is a unique research collaboration and training program. LAF-funded faculty-student research teams work with design firms to assess and document the environmental, social, and economic benefits of exemplary high-performing landscape projects and produce Case Study Briefs for LAF's Landscape Performance Series.
Through CSI, LAF funded faculty-student research teams work with leading practitioners to document the impacts of exemplary, high-performing landscape projects. Teams develop methods to quantify the environmental, social, and economic benefits of built projects and produce Case Study Briefs for LAF’s Landscape Performance Series.
Faculty and design firms apply to CSI in partnership to produce a case study of a specific built landscape project.* Each research team is led by a faculty CSI Research Fellow and supported by a student Research Assistant. The academic team interfaces with a Firm Liaison, who provides information about the project goals, design, design and construction process, and intended performance. Clients, site managers, and other project stakeholders may also contribute data and insights.
The CSI program runs annually from February to August. During the spring, faculty-student teams work with firm liaisons to develop the research plan and case study narrative. Site visits and field data collection are primarily conducted during the summer. The academic teams use this information to craft the performance benefits and document the project in the online Case Study Brief format. Throughout this process, LAF provides training, iterative feedback, and opportunities for interaction among teams. Final case studies undergo a peer review process and are published to the Landscape Performance Series in the fall.
*LAF may be able to assist in matching prospective CSI Research Fellows with prospective firms/projects based on geographic proximity, common interests, and relevant expertise. Potential applicants wishing to be matched should contact LAF well in advance of the application deadline to discuss.
The next CSI program will run from February 2 to August 3, 2022. Faculty and design firms apply in partnership. Faculty selected as CSI Research Fellows receive an honorarium and stipend to support a student Research Assistant.
Applications are due November 1.
Sep 2021 - Application materials available
Nov 1, 2021 - Faculty and firm/project applications due
Dec 2021 - All applicants notified
Feb 2 - Aug 3, 2022 - 2022 CSI program runs
Sep-Dec 2022 - Resulting case studies published
From the Living Architecture Monitor
