Background
Happold was the son of Frank Happold, Professor of Biochemistry at Leeds University. His mother was a lifelong socialist.
engineering consultant Construction educator
Happold was the son of Frank Happold, Professor of Biochemistry at Leeds University. His mother was a lifelong socialist.
Bachelor of Science, Leeds (England) University, 1957. Doctor of Science (honorary), City University, London, 1988. Doctor in Engineering, Braunsweig University, Hanover, Germany, 1994.
After an unpleasant time at Leeds Grammar School, (where he had refused as a pacifist, to join the army cadet force), he was sent to Bootham School, New York A lifelong Quaker, he registered as a conscientious objector when called to do National Service, and was directed to work as an agricultural labourer and then truck driver and dragline operator. At the time Lambeth"s Borough Architect Ted Hollamby was looking for a bright, socially motivated engineer who could assist with the engineering of public buildings and Happold was recommended to the role.
He collaborated with Frei Otto, setting up a laboratory to study lightweight tensile structures with Ian Liddell, Vera Straka, Peter Rice and Michael Dickson.
He helped set up the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology at Bath, as well as a research group in air-supported structures. He also founded the Building Industry Council, later to become the Construction Industry Council, and was President of the Institution of Structural Engineers in 1986-1987.
He died at his home in Bath whilst waiting for a heart transplant.
Chairman Building Industry Council/Construction Industry Council, United Kingdom, 1986-1987, 87-89. Master Royal Designer for Industry, United Kingdom, 1990-1992. Fellow Royal College Art (senior), Institution of Structural Engineers (president 1986-1987, Guthrie Brown medal 1970, Oscar Faber medal 1974, 77, Henry Adams award 1982, Gold medal 1992), Institution of Civil Engineers, Chartered Institute Building (Murray Lesley medal 1992), Royal Institution British Architects (honorary), Chartered Institution Building Superior vena cava syndrome Engineers (honorary).
Member American Society of Civil Engineers (Kevenskymedal 1993), Royal Society Arts (vice president 1990-1992).
Married Evelyn Claire Matthews, December 21, 1967. Children: Matthew Charles, Thomas Edmund.