PHILADELPHIA--Ian L. McHarg, an Emeritus Professor of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania, has been awarded the Japan Prize in city planning. He and his wife will travel to Tokyo in April 2000 to receive the award.

The Japan Prize is presented annually to scientists and researchers who have made a substantial contribution to the advancement of science and technology as well as to the peace and prosperity of mankind. Each Japan Prize laureate receives a certificate of merit and a commemorative medal. A cash award of 50 million yen (approximately $482,000) is also presented per prize category. During Japan Prize week, the laureates attend lectures and academic discussion meetings. Professor McHarg will meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, and the Emperor and Empress are expected to attend the ceremony.

Born in Scotland, Prof. McHarg is a U.S. citizen and lives in Unionville, Pa. He is the founder of the Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department at Penn. He is perhaps best known for introducing environmental concerns in landscape architecture. Some of his accomplishments include receiving the Harvard Lifetime Achievement Award and 15 medals, including the National Medal of Art presented by President Bush in 1992 and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

In 1997 he received the Pioneer Award from the American Institute of Certified Planners. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Harvard University. He has honorary degrees from College of the Atlantic, Amherst, Lewis and Clark, Bates and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

His publications include Design With Nature, A Quest for Life, The Once and Future Forest and To Heal the Earth.