Each year, 5-10 research teams and 10-12 projects are selected for the CSI program through an open, competitive process.
Faculty and design firms apply to the CSI program in partnership but submit separate applications. Faculty may apply to produce either one or two project case studies with the corresponding design firm(s). Design firms apply with one or more projects and may partner with different faculty members for different projects.
Selection Process
Teams are selected for participation in the CSI program based on their potential to generate high-quality, compelling case studies with a range of quantified environmental, social, and economic benefits. CSI Research Fellows and student Research Assistants are evaluated based on their experience and demonstrated interest in landscape performance evaluation. Projects and firms are evaluated based on the quality of the project and the availability of information to document performance. Additional consideration is given for projects that have a strong "Before/After" image pair that showcases the transformation of the site. Evaluators also consider the strength of the team relationship and commitment to the CSI process.
Additional consideration will be given to teams and projects that have the potential to produce case studies with a strong narrative, goals, and benefits related to: (1) climate change and resilience, (2) diversity, equity, and inclusion, and/or (3) biodiversity.
All applicants will be notified of a decision by mid-December.
Application Process
LAF uses SlideRoom as its online application platform and will only accept applications submitted through this system. All application materials must be submitted by 11:59pm EDT on November 1.
Visit http://lafoundation.slideroom.com to use the system. Once you have created an account, scroll down to select the appropriate application type (CSI Research Fellow or Firm/Project Proposal), and click “Begin” to start the application process. You may save, edit, and review your work prior to submitting. An application fee of $5 (USD) must be paid through SlideRoom when the application is submitted.
Application Types
CSI Research Fellow Candidates - Application Instructions
Applicants are faculty in landscape architecture or a related field.
Firm/Project Proposals - Application Instructions
Applicants are design firms or others with a primary role in the design of the project.
Application Contents
Prospective CSI Research Fellows and design firms apply as a team, but submit separate applications. The CSI Research Fellow application requires the name of the proposed firm liaison(s) and project(s), and the Firm/Project Proposal requires the name of the proposed CSI Research Fellow.
Refer to the Application Instructions for the appropriate application type (see above) for more specific information. All submissions must adhere to guidelines and deadlines in order to be considered. Additional materials will not be reviewed.
CSI Research Fellow Candidates
- Applicant Information and Experience
- Proposed Project/Design Firm Partnership
- Research Assistant Information
- Case Study Critique
- Curriculum Vitae
- Verification of Time Commitment and Accessibility
- Department Head Form
Firm/Project Proposals
- Firm Information and Contacts
- Proposed Faculty Partnership
- Project Information
- Supervising Principal Form
- Before/After Images
- Project Access Letter (only for sites with restricted access)
- Stakeholder Letters of Support (optional)
Questions?
Contact Megan Barnes at mbarnes [at] lafoundation.org (mbarnes[at]lafoundation[dot]org).
Case Study Investigation (CSI)
Overview
CSI Research Fellows
CSI Firms and Projects
Application Process
CSI FAQs
