What if we could build structures three times as fast at half the cost? What if these structures used half the resources of standard construction and produced one third the carbon footprint? What if these structures required minimal upkeep and were more resistant to natural disasters? It may sound like fantasy, but these structures exist and are called Binishells.

Construction represents 40% of global pollution and uses 50% of our natural resources. In a carbon-constrained world with dwindling natural resources and ballooning population, we ought to completely rethink our approach to construction. Enter, Dr. Dante Bini who did just that by inventing Binishells, buildings that use low air pressure to create monolithic reinforced concrete shells.

Managed by Nicoló Bini, a UC Berkeley graduate specialized in green design, Binishells are not only environmentally efficient but more require less material, labor and time to construct. The results are decreases in cost, carbon footprints and construction time of 50% or more. As is often the case in efficient building, the benefits to the environment are matched by reduced pressure on the wallet.

Binishells applications range from high-end residential, to schools, commercial buildings, low cost housing, storage and more. Building upon the Italian tradition of excellence in architecture, it's heartening to see the Binis continue to carry the torch into a future where construction efficiency is paramount to responsible global citizenry.

To pivot from architecture to general design, keep an eye on Italian Design 2.0, a timeless aesthetic that adapts to changing dynamics in our world. To see it in person, check out the New Italian Design exhibit in San Francisco at The Cannery in June, part of Italian Design Week brought to you direct from Milan's Triennale for the 2013 Year of Italian Culture. To learn more about this event and others, click here.