In this paper, a computational model is proposed to simulate automatically a flexible membrane, with any shape, able to carry a larger number of loading conditions, including pressure loads and by the application of non-zero displacements prescription. Under the action of these loads the membrane is deformed reaching one of its equilibrium configurations, which will define the middle surface of the shell to be built. A relatively simple process to generate non-geometrical shells by means of mathematical programming combined with the finite element technique is presented. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.472163171