New Zealand’s top award for achievement in technology, the Pickering Medal, has been awarded to Sir Harold Marshall KNZM, FRSNZ, FNZIA, FRAIA by the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Sir Harold, co-founder of internationally renowned Marshall Day Acoustics and emeritus professor from the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland, has explored asymmetry in acoustic design for more than thirty years, with his methods now acknowledged as the preferred genre for concert halls.

Recognised as one of the most talented acoustic designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, Sir Harold’s work includes the Christchurch Town Hall, the Guangzhou Opera House and more recently the Philharmonie de Paris. The Guangzhou Opera House received a RIBA International Award for architectural excellence, with the citation stating ‘for all the auditorium’s asymmetry, the acoustics are perfect’.

“Sir Harold Marshall has made an outstanding contribution to acoustics research, teaching and practicing in Australasia and beyond, not least inspiring generations of architecture students at the University of Auckland. Sir Harold has pioneered acoustic research in New Zealand at The Centre for Acoustic Research and designed a number of the world’s highest quality acoustic performance environments as a consultant acoustician,” says professor Diane Brand, dean of the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries. “The University warmly congratulates Sir Harold on having received this honour from the Royal Society,” she says.

Sir Harold has received a multitude of accolades throughout his career. Most recently, in 2008 he was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to acoustical science and in 2009 he accepted the title Knight Companion of the Order, KNZM.

Named after world-acclaimed rocket scientist William Pickering, the Pickering Medal is awarded annually to a person who, while in New Zealand, has through design, development or invention, produced innovative work of importance both nationally and internationally, or which has led to significant commercial success.