The Pentagon, as we know it today, was built with five sides due to a combination of practical and symbolic reasons. The decision to design the Pentagon as a pentagon-shaped building was primarily influenced by the specific piece of land it was planned to be constructed on.
In the early 1940s, the location for the Pentagon was chosen in Arlington, Virginia. The chosen site was bordered by five roads: Arlington Boulevard, Columbia Pike, Route 27, Route 244, and South Joyce Street. These roads created a natural boundary around the land, resulting in a five-sided plot.
Given this unique site configuration, the architects and planners saw an opportunity to create a distinctive and efficient building design. The five-sided shape of the land provided an interesting challenge and inspired the architects to deviate from conventional rectangular or square building plans. This decision not only made the most efficient use of the available land but also contributed to the iconic and recognizable shape of the Pentagon.
Beyond the practical considerations, the choice to create a pentagon-shaped building also held symbolic significance. The pentagon, with its five sides, has long been associated with strength, stability, and unity. The shape itself is inherently stable, as each side reinforces the others, creating a strong and harmonious structure.
Moreover, the five-sided shape of the Pentagon is reminiscent of other historic and symbolic structures. For example, the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras believed that the number five represented harmony and balance in nature. In addition, many religious and spiritual traditions associate the number five with balance, wholeness, and divine order.
By constructing the Pentagon as a pentagon-shaped building, the architects aimed to convey a sense of strength, stability, and unity, reflecting the importance of the United States military and its role in protecting the nation. The building’s design serves as a visual representation of the values and mission of the Department of Defense, which is housed within its walls.
The Pentagon was built with five sides primarily because the land it was planned to be constructed on was bordered by five roads. This unique site configuration presented an opportunity for the architects to design a distinctive and efficient building. The choice to create a pentagon-shaped structure also held symbolic significance, representing strength, stability, and unity. The five-sided design of the Pentagon has become an iconic symbol of the United States military and its role in protecting the nation.