Research in Practice: Opportunities to Connect

Join us Oct 28 for a happy hour to connect with landscape architects who are integrating research into their design practice, or fill out our poll.

Since our founding in 1966, bridging the gap between research and landscape architecture practice has been a core tenet for LAF. This has taken many forms over the years, from research grants to LAF’s quarterly Agora journal/magazine (1980-1987) to case studies.

In recent years, LAF’s efforts in this area have focused in two areas. Our Landscape Performance Series set of initiatives gives practitioners searchable access to case studies and research findings about the measurable benefits of landscape solutions. The case studies are produced through our Case Study Investigation (CSI) program, which serves a performance-focused research collaboration and training program for teams of faculty, students, and practitioners.

LAF supports the nexus of research and practice more broadly through an olio of initiatives. The $25,000 LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell funds research relevant to practice and prioritizes practitioner-academic collaborations. To strengthen research capacity within the discipline, we’ve produced guides, including A Case Study Method for Landscape Architecture and How to Develop a Research Question. LAF has also participated in or hosted numerous conference presentations, conversations, and webinars exploring practice-based research, design research, and the alignments/misalignments between current research and the knowledge needs of professional practices.

Along the way, we’ve been able to share and learn from a number of pioneering individuals and firms and look forward to continued dialogue. As we continue to explore and formalize efforts around research in practice, we invite practitioners to engage with us and share your activities and perspective.

Research + Practice Happy Hour

To support dialogue and build community around practice-based research, at the upcoming ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture, LAF will host a happy hour for practitioners who are integrating research in practice or conducting practice-based research. The happy hour takes place at LAF’s booth in the EXPO hall and is sponsored by Land Kit by LANDAU Design + Technology.

Research + Practice Happy Hour
Sat, Oct 28, 5-6pm CT
Minneapolis Convention Center, EXPO Booth #2121

Even if you can’t attend, practitioners are invited to fill out this informal poll by Nov 1 to tell LAF how you are integrating research in practice and be notified of future practice-based research activities.