Shell structures and shells at the beginning of the 21st century

Researchers know that “golden century of shells” falls on 1920-1960 when the finishing of building of a thin-walled shell became an important event in life of country where this shell was erected. Every built shell was analyzed in tens of scientific works with a point of view of used method of analysis, applied constructive materials, cost of erection. Later on, an interest to thin-walled shells fell down. On the base of the fulfilled research in a paper, it is shown that application of shell structures is increasing in the 21st century because it was closely connected with needs of different branches of human activity. It is proved, that practically in all countries of the world, design and building of shell structures and shells was carried out. Only priority in application constructive materials changed. In the main, reinforced concrete was used earlier but now bar curvilinear structures, composite shells, and bar structures with the glass filling are in priority. It is shown that young and prominent architects and engineers tale part in construction of considered structures and thin-walled shells. All conclusions are confirmed by references containing 38 used original sources.