Lucky (and Unlucky) Engineering Choices:
How Superstition Shapes Design
While engineering and architecture are rooted in science, calculations, and precision, history shows that superstition has long played a surprising role in shaping the built environment. From avoiding the 13th floor in high-rises to favoring certain materials believed to bring good fortune, luck has influenced design decisions more than we might expect. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, let’s take a lighthearted look at some of the “lucky” and “unlucky” choices that have shaped buildings and infrastructure around the world.
Unlucky Number 13: Skipping a Floor for Good Fortune
Ever stepped into an elevator and noticed something missing? Many hotels, office buildings, and residential towers skip the number 13 in their floor numbering, jumping straight from 12 to 14. The fear of 13, known as triskaidekaphobia, dates back centuries and remains a powerful superstition in architecture.
The logic? Developers and designers want to avoid any negative connotations (and nervous tenants). Even in modern times, some architects and engineers adhere to this superstition to maintain market appeal. Whether or not you believe in bad luck, avoiding the 13th floor has become an enduring, if somewhat quirky, industry standard.
Lucky Materials: Gold, Copper, and Bamboo
Throughout history, different cultures have associated specific building materials with prosperity, protection, and good fortune. Here are some famous examples:
Gold: A Symbol of Wealth and Divine Favor
Gold is more than just an aesthetic choice—it has been used in religious and civic buildings for centuries, symbolizing purity, spiritual enlightenment, and prosperity. Some of the most iconic gold-adorned structures include:
- The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), India – Located in Amritsar, this Sikh temple is covered in gold leaf, symbolizing purity and prosperity.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Japan – This Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto is entirely covered in gold leaf, reflecting Buddhist philosophy on wealth and transcendence.
- Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem – The famous gold-plated dome of this Islamic shrine is one of the most recognizable religious structures in the world, emphasizing grandeur and spirituality.
Copper: Protection and Timeless Elegance
Copper is revered not just for its antimicrobial properties but also for its ability to develop a natural patina over time, making it a favored material in design. Some well-known examples of copper in architecture include:
- Statue of Liberty, USA – Made of copper, the statue has transformed over time from its original brown to its now-iconic green patina, demonstrating copper’s resilience and long-lasting beauty.
- Berlin Cathedral, Germany – This historic cathedral’s striking green copper domes add to its architectural charm, illustrating how materials age gracefully.
- Casa Batlló, Spain – Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece in Barcelona features intricate copper elements, showcasing both function and aesthetics.
Bamboo: Strength, Sustainability, and Good Fortune
In many Asian cultures, bamboo is associated with resilience, flexibility, and prosperity, making it a popular material for both traditional and modern construction. Notable bamboo structures include:
- Green School, Bali – This innovative, fully sustainable school is built almost entirely from bamboo, highlighting its strength and flexibility.
- The Bamboo Cathedral, Colombia – This stunning outdoor structure, formed by intertwining bamboo arches, demonstrates the material’s architectural potential.
- The Great Bamboo Wall, China – Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, this modern project blends bamboo with concrete and glass to integrate nature with contemporary design.
Horseshoes and Doorways: Warding Off Bad Vibes
The practice of hanging a horseshoe over a doorway dates back to medieval times when blacksmiths were thought to possess mystical powers. Today, you might still find this tradition in homes, bars, and even some architectural accents. The horseshoe’s curve is believed to trap good luck—just make sure it’s facing upwards, or the luck might “spill out.”
Bridges and Rituals: Paying Respect to the Unknown
Some cultures have long-standing beliefs about construction rituals to ensure safety and success. For example, in parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, workers perform blessing ceremonies before laying the foundation of a bridge or high-rise. In Ireland, folklore suggests that certain sites should be left undisturbed to avoid angering the fairy folk—some engineers have even adjusted roadways to steer clear of rumored fairy paths!
Superstition vs. Science: A Balancing Act
While modern architecture and engineering rely on rigorous analysis and data, old superstitions still have a place—whether as marketing considerations, cultural respect, or just a nod to tradition. At the end of the day, a well-designed building stands on calculations, not luck—but who’s to say a little extra good fortune doesn’t help?
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at EAPC Architects Engineers—may your projects be well-built, your designs inspired, and your floors numbered however you see fit!
