Modern Pagodas
Historically, pagodas are known for their strength. Due to their brilliant engineering, they can withstand most natural disasters. Wooden pagodas, specifically, are made by a collection of interlocking brackets that form a crisscross pattern (Ma et al., 2025). These crisscross brackets are able to carry weight, helping balance the overall structure. The brackets are also earthquake-proof.
Stone and brick pagodas, like the Iron Pagoda, are more susceptible to wear and tear, as they are not as flexible. However, they are still sturdy. The Iron Pagoda has lasted almost a millennium. It has seen various earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. Additionally, the building experienced damage from man-made disasters such as wars. Contemporary Asian skyscrapers often take from the imagery of the immovable, indestructible pagoda.
Both Jin Mao Tower and Taipei 101 are pagoda-like structures in East Asia. Jin Mao Tower is located in the financial hub of China, Shanghai. On a similar note, Taipei 101 is located in the capital and financial district of Taiwan, Taipei. Symbols of prosperity and longevity, they stand tall in these booming cities.
Both structures, made of steel, glass, and concrete, use similar principles to traditional pagodas and Chinese culture. Like pagodas, these skyscrapers take tiered forms with spires, emulating the pagoda's central pillar pointing to the cosmos. Additionally, they are earthquake-resistant. Though different technologies from their predecessors, both have dampers in their interiors, which help with high winds. During the 2024 7.3 magnitude earthquake, Taipei 101, specifically, was able to withstand seismic damage, reminiscent of the imperemeable pagoda.
In addition to their pagoda structure, both buildings are meant to resemble bamboo. Bamboo became associated with Buddhism early on. It is believed that the first building to become a temple was Buddha's bamboo monastery (Xu et al., 2023). Bamboo is exceptionally strong and flexible, which these buildings aim to imitate.
In these major financial districts, they act as symbols of the surrounding cultures. Both Jin Mao Tower and Taipei 101, ground these wealthy, desired filled cities in Buddhist principles.
