The Van Alen Institute recently launched the Future Ground competition in New Orleans as part of their multi-year initiative, Elsewhere: Escape and the Urban Landscape. Future Ground invites multidisciplinary teams to generate flexible design and policy strategies to transform abandoned lots into resources for residents of the Big Easy. The competition is open to individuals and firms with expertise relevant to the topic–architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, graphic design, policy, engineering, finance, real estate, and community development. Entrants are also encouraged to partner with at least one individual or organization based in New Orleans. Registration and RFQs are due September 29, 2014.