American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which author is known for emphasizing ecological considerations in urban planning?

1. Pierre Charles L'Enfant

2. Ian McHarg

3. Richard Babcock

4. T.J.Kent Jr.

The correct answer is: Ian McHarg

Ian McHarg is widely recognized for incorporating ecological principles into urban planning. His pioneering work in the field of landscape architecture emphasized the necessity of understanding environmental processes and the natural landscape when designing urban spaces. McHarg advocated for an approach that considers ecological systems and their interactions with human development, underscoring the idea that urban planning should be informed by the ecological characteristics of an area. In his book "Design with Nature," McHarg proposed the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for analyzing and mapping environmental features, which helped planners make informed decisions that promote sustainability and reduce harmful impacts on ecosystems. This holistic view of planning aims to create environments that are in harmony with nature, leading to better long-term outcomes for both urban residents and the natural world. Other authors mentioned have made significant contributions to urban planning but did not focus as explicitly on the integration of ecological considerations.