IN MEMORIAM PROFESSOR ANDRÁS ZÖLD
It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Professor András Zöld, Doctor of Science, on February 21, 2023, at the age of 83.
Due to his expertise and dedication, Professor András Zöld was a role model to a many of us. His work and spirit were decisive in the field of building energy engineering and building physics. His lectures and courses held at the Faculty of Architecture of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Debrecen laid the foundation for our commitment to passive energy planning principles and the integrated approach to building energy systems – the joint management of the building envelope and active energy systems.
The book, titled “Energiagazdálkodás az építészetben” (“Energy management in architecture”), which he co-authored with László Gábor and published in 1984, is a fundamental work in our field. However, his professional activity was not limited to building physics and building energy; he left lasting mark in the fields of accessibility and rehabilitation as well. He is credited with the authorship of a total of 24 textbooks and course books, 2 domestic standards and the building energy regulations that have been in force since 2006. In addition to this, he earned 8 patents.
He worked with several European universities and professional research groups, involving and encouraging his students, setting an example of how to establish good professional relationships, ongoing collaborations and create value on an international level.
In addition to his indisputable professional merits, his human qualities are particularly memorable. His directness, wise, insightful comments and supportive advice helped us many times as students and PhD researchers to overcome difficulties, showing us the way at times of uncertainty. He was actively involved in professional work until his death. We bid farewell with a photo taken at Adrienn Gelesz’s PhD defense in December 2022, where he served as a Member of the Defense Comittee.
Rest in peace, András!
