Over 60 years ago, Dr. Dante Bini invented a form-finding and construction technique to erect a finished large-span reinforced concrete shell structure through the use of inflatable membranes. This system was patented in 1964 under the name Binishells and, over the following decades, it was applied to construct over 1,600 domes in 23 countries. In 1966, as a result of Mario Salvadori’s interest, Bini built a demonstration of his patented system on the Columbia University campus in NY. This demonstration was covered in most of the major magazines and newspapers including the New York Times, the Washington Post and The New Yorker Magazine. Since then, Binishells has been recognized internationally as a leader in construction technology. In 1974 Dr. Bini moved with his family to Australia after the NSW Department of Public Works asked him to realize a set of school facilities using the Binishells technology. In Australia more building systems were developed including the Minishells and Bini Six. In 1980 Dr. Bini and his family moved to San Francisco and from there he developed a number of other Systems including the Bini Star and Pak Home.
This short video describes Dr. Bini’s life and career. While the original Binishells technology is no longer code compliant, the company and its philosophy are based on Dante’s way of thinking ‘outside the box’.
There are many books written on my Father’s career and work. Please find links below to where some of this can be purchased.