Have you ever wondered, while ascending an elevator, if there’s a floor missing? This curiosity often leads to a fascinating question: How Many Buildings Skip The 13th Floor? It’s a practice steeped in superstition, but surprisingly prevalent around the world, impacting everything from skyscraper designs to hotel room numbering.
The Triskaidekaphobia Phenomenon How Many Buildings Skip The 13th Floor
The reason behind this common architectural quirk is a deep-seated fear of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia. This superstition has roots that stretch back through history and across various cultures. It’s believed to stem from several ancient beliefs and events:
- The Last Supper had 13 people present, with Judas Iscariot being the 13th to arrive.
- In Norse mythology, Loki, the god of mischief, was the 13th guest at a banquet in Valhalla, leading to the death of Baldur.
- The Knights Templar were arrested on Friday, October 13, 1307, marking a significant historical event associated with the date.
Because of these associations, the number 13 is often considered unlucky. To avoid associating their properties with ill fortune, many building developers and owners choose to omit the 13th floor entirely. Instead of a 13th floor, you’ll often find that the floor after the 12th is labeled as the 14th. This practice is so widespread that it has become an unspoken norm in many parts of the world. The importance of appeasing potential tenants or guests by avoiding perceived bad luck drives this decision, even in modern construction.
The extent of this practice can be surprising. While precise global statistics are hard to pin down, surveys and observations suggest a significant number of buildings worldwide indeed skip the 13th floor. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Region/Type | Likelihood of Skipping 13th Floor |
|---|---|
| North America (especially USA & Canada) | Very High |
| Europe | Moderate to High (varies by country) |
| Asia | Lower, but increasing in some areas |
| Hotels | Very High |
| Residential Buildings | High |
| Commercial/Office Buildings | High |
In many of these instances, the elevator buttons will directly jump from 12 to 14. Sometimes, the building might technically have a 13th floor, but it’s not accessible to the public or is used for less prominent purposes like mechanical rooms. The psychological impact of a superstition is powerful, and for many, the visual and practical absence of a 13th floor provides a sense of comfort and security.
This article delves into the reasons and prevalence of this architectural superstition. To learn more about the fascinating origins and global impact of this practice, please refer to the detailed information provided in the following section.