We develop a new paradigm for thin-shell ÿnite-element analysis based on the use of subdivision surfaces for (i) describing the geometry of the shell in its undeformed conÿguration, and (ii) generating smooth interpolated displacement ÿelds possessing bounded energy within the strict framework of the Kirchho -Love theory of thin shells. The particular subdivision strategy adopted here is Loop's scheme, with extensions such as required to account for creases and displacement boundary conditions. The displacement ÿelds obtained by subdivision are H 2 and, consequently, have a ÿnite Kirchho -Love energy. The resulting ÿnite elements contain three nodes and element integrals are computed by a one-point quadrature. The displacement ÿeld of the shell is interpolated from nodal displacements only. In particular, no nodal rotations are used in the interpolation. The interpolation scheme induced by subdivision is non-local, i.e. the displacement ÿeld over one element depend on the nodal displacements of the element nodes and all nodes of immediately neighbouring elements. However, the use of subdivision surfaces ensures that all the local displacement ÿelds thus constructed combine conformingly to deÿne one single limit surface. Numerical tests, including the Belytschko et al.
[10] obstacle course of benchmark problems, demonstrate the high accuracy and optimal convergence of the method.