Shells as a Universal Structural Type in Nature and Design

Universal is this structure or construction which is ubiquitous in the world. It is encountered in living and non-living nature, implemented in various fields of human activity and interpreted appropriately according to the needs and the specifics of the context of use. The aim of the chapter is to verify the universal character of shells as a structural and constructive type. It is discerned that shells exist as a structural type in living and non-living nature. With the progress of civilization, humans have gained experience and mastered their deliberate use for the benefit of the individual and social existence. Therefore, it can be stipulated that research and formalization of shells in scientific and technological aspect will lead to an even wider range of applications in various design fields. In perspective are outlined the emerging form-generation opportunities in engineering, architecture and design. To substantiate the universality, a comparative research method is adopted. The existence of various shells found in nature is compared with the same or similar types applied in design. If hitherto this has happened objectively without interdependence, we demonstrate the possibilities of conscious and purposeful impetus of ideas exchange between the form-finding process, scientific research and technological development of shell structures.