Take a closer look the next time you step into an elevator.

Did the buttons go from 3 straight to 5? Or maybe the numbers skipped from 12 to 14?

No, the building isn’t missing a floor.

Those absent numbers are one of Architecture’s best-kept secrets — proof that even in an era of smart homes, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered buildings and ultra-modern skyscrapers, centuries-old beliefs still shape the spaces we live in.

As Ghost Month begins, these seemingly small design choices become more noticeable. Across many parts of Asia, they offer a fascinating glimpse into how culture quietly influences real estate, architecture and even property values.

When architecture meets tradition

We often think buildings are designed solely around engineering, sustainability or aesthetics. But in many places across Asia, culture also plays an important role.

One of the most well-known examples is the disappearance of the fourth floor.

In Chinese culture, the number 4 is widely considered unlucky because its pronunciation closely resembles the word for “death” in Mandarin and several other Chinese dialects. Similar linguistic associations also exist in Japanese and Korean, giving rise to what’s known as tetraphobia — the fear or avoidance of the number four.

The belief is so deeply-rooted that many residential towers, hotels, hospitals and office buildings simply remove the number from elevator panels. Instead of going from 3, 4, 5, you’ll often see 3, 5, while others replace the number with labels like 3A or the letter F.

According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, many buildings in South Korea continue this practice today, with elevators commonly displaying “F” instead of the numeral 4 to make residents feel more comfortable. Despite the country’s reputation for cutting-edge technology and futuristic cities, traditional beliefs remain surprisingly influential in modern architecture.

The Korea Times has likewise reported that tetraphobia continues to shape apartment developments and commercial buildings, reflecting how cultural traditions continue to coexist with contemporary urban living.

The West has its own missing floor

It’s not just an Asian phenomenon.

In many Western countries, it’s the 13th floor that mysteriously disappears.

The superstition is rooted in triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13, which has long been associated with bad luck through religious traditions and folklore. One of the most commonly cited origins is the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot is believed to have been the 13th guest.

As a result, countless hotels, condominiums and office towers in North America and Europe skip directly from 12 to 14.

The physical floor is still there, of course — it simply carries a different number.

Some numbers can actually increase a home’s value?

Interestingly, superstition doesn’t only make numbers disappear — it can also make certain properties more desirable.

The number 8 is considered especially lucky in Chinese culture because its pronunciation resembles words associated with prosperity and wealth. That cultural preference has real-world implications.

Real estate professionals across Asia have long observed that units on the 8th, 18th or 28th floors can command higher prices, while floors containing the number four may be less attractive to some buyers.

Why Ghost Month brings the conversation back

Ghost Month is traditionally observed in many Chinese communities as a time when spirits are believed to roam the earthly world.

Because of this, some families avoid moving into a new home, beginning renovations, signing property contracts, or making major investments during this period.

Whether or not one personally believes in these traditions, they continue to shape decisions surrounding homes and living spaces throughout the region.

For architects and developers, respecting these cultural practices has become less about superstition and more about designing spaces that resonate with the people who will eventually live in them.