Construction Site of Prototypes of Binishells. From Innovation to Abandonment

During nineteen fifties and sixties structural research, particularly into thin concrete shells achieved results that are still unsurpassed. New materials, techniques and methods of construction supported this typological and expressive innovation characterized by a synthesis between structure and architectural expression. All these researches adopted a highly pragmatic approach to the industrialization of construction systems and optimal use of materials. This paper intends to investigate the case of a construction site of prototypes realized between 1965 and 1967 by Dante Bini in San Cesario sul Panaro near Modena in Italy. After the construction of the first real scale prototypes of concrete thin shells in Crespellano, Pegola and Abano Terme, Dante Bini tested his patents in this place called “Mushroom Field” by Mario Salvadori. He built more than 10 concrete shells where he tested different patents of Binishells system which will be used for thousands concrete shells all over the world. During 1990s the prototype site was turned into a dump and now it is a state of serious abandonment. Even the local community has lost memory of the meanings of this place that represents the innovation and experimentation of the Binishell systems (mix designed, rebars, types of concrete, insulation, forms) and his research in the field of industrialization of the construction process with pneumatic formworks. Highlighting the values and meanings of these structures is the first step to avoid their loss and demolition.