The chi-Shells is a new kind of deployable reticulated shells that has features comparable to other traditional shells. Its deployment uses the mechanical properties of a beam grid to generate a three-dimensional shape. This new generation of reticulated shells differs in its typology, but its structural performance and construction process have points in common with other types of shells made in the past. We present the fundamental characteristics of this new generation of shells, comparing it to other existing families with criteria related to materials, span, self weight, load capacity, slenderness, construction process and joint detailing. The development of this technology is accompanied by small-scale physical models that validate the principle of deployment, and a full-scale pavilion to discuss constructive and static aspects.