Although that article seems to mix up a few concepts, here are couple of tools which may be employed in generative formfinding for shells such as the referred Heinz Isler pavilion and the Great Court Roof:

http://www.food4rhino.com/project/rhinovault

http://www.food4rhino.com/project/kangaroo

If you search the Kangaroo sub-forum here you should find plenty of examples.