Sir Harold Marshall
Sir Harold Marshall is a highly respected architect, engineer and physicist who in 1981 co-founded Marshall Day Acoustics with Chris Day. He has earned international acclaim for his significant contributions to the design of theatres and concert halls.
Recognised as one of the world’s most creative and innovative concert hall designers, his groundbreaking studies in the late 1960s on the importance of room cross-sections have profoundly influenced contemporary concert hall design. With a career spanning over 60 years in the acoustical design of auditoria and concert halls, Harold’s work is frequently cited in technical literature.
His passion for acoustics has been sharpened by his active involvement in musical performance, both as a chorister and a bass-baritone, with a special affinity for J S Bach. This unique combination of architectural skills and musical expertise enables him to effectively communicate with architects, clients and project teams.
He holds the position of Emeritus Professor at the University of Auckland School of Architecture and Head of the Acoustics Research Centre.
In acknowledgement of his many contributions to the field of architectural acoustics, Harold has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Harold enjoys choral singing, gardening, and freshwater and sea fishing. He is also a published author and poet.
Sir Harold Marshall’s major contributions include:
The particular importance of lateral reflected sound and of the architectural means to achieve this in concert halls
The necessary and sufficient conditions for excellent ensemble for both instrumental groups and singers
Discussion of acoustical and architectural relationships in the design process
Honours & Awards
Rayleigh Medal of the United Kingdom Institute of Acoustics (2015)
Pickering Medal of the Royal Society of New Zealand (2013)
Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2009)
Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2008)
Gold Medal of the Acoustical Foundation of India (2006)
Wallace Clement Sabine Medal by the Acoustical Society of America (1995)
Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (1994)
Qualifications & Memberships
PhD, University of Southampton (1967)
BSc, University of Auckland (1956)
BArch (Hons), University of New Zealand (1956)
Royal Society of New Zealand (Fellow) FRSNZ
Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Fellow) FRAIA
New Zealand Institute of Architects (Fellow) FNZIA
Acoustical Society of America (Fellow) FASA
New Zealand Acoustical Society (Fellow) FNZAS
Associate of American Institute of Physics (Associate) MAIP
Past President of New Zealand Acoustical Society
Life Member of New Zealand Acoustical Society
Life Member of National Council of Acoustical Consultants (USA)
Selected Projects
