Introduction
The term “largest building in the world” can refer to either the biggest by volume or by floor area. It can also refer to the tallest building in the world. In this article, we will be exploring the largest building in the world by floor area.
According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the world’s largest building by floor area is the New Century Global Center in Chengdu, China. This massive structure measures 1,760,000 square meters (18,914,973 square feet) and stands at a height of 208 meters (682 feet).
Let’s take a closer look at the largest building in the world and explore its architecture, design, history, and use today.
A Closer Look at the Biggest Building in the World
The New Century Global Center is located in the city of Chengdu, in the Sichuan province of China. The complex covers an area of about 400,000 square meters (4,305,555 square feet) and is home to a shopping mall, hotel, offices, movie theater, exhibition hall, ice rink, and more.
The building is impressive in size, measuring 500 meters (1,640 feet) long, 400 meters (1,312 feet) wide, and 208 meters (682 feet) high. It is capable of accommodating up to 18,000 people at a time.
The exterior of the building is designed to resemble a crystal wave, with curved walls and numerous windows that allow natural light to flood the interior. The roof is made from ETFE cushions that provide excellent insulation and reduce energy consumption.
Exploring the Architecture and Design of the Largest Building in the World
The structural design of the New Century Global Center is based on a steel frame system with reinforced concrete columns. The building has over 40 escalators, 19 elevators, and 16 double-deck lifts.
The interior of the building is just as impressive as the exterior. It is decorated with marble floors, gold-plated chandeliers, and intricate murals. There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars scattered throughout the building.
The building also boasts several special features, such as an artificial beach, a Mediterranean-style village, and a giant LED screen.
The History of the Largest Building in the World
The New Century Global Center was built in 2013 and opened to the public in 2014. Since then, it has gone through a few renovations and expansions, including the addition of a theme park in 2018.
The building has also been used for various events, such as the G20 Summit in 2016, and the World Internet Conference in 2017.
How the Largest Building in the World Is Used
The New Century Global Center is primarily used as a shopping mall, office complex, and entertainment destination. There are over 200 stores, restaurants, and other establishments located within the building.
The building also hosts a variety of events, such as concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and more.
A Comparison of the World’s Largest Buildings
Apart from the New Century Global Center, there are several other buildings that could be considered the world’s largest. These include the Dubai Mall in the United Arab Emirates, the CentralWorld Shopping Complex in Thailand, and the West Edmonton Mall in Canada.
When comparing the world’s largest buildings, it is important to consider not only their size but also their purpose. For example, the Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, while the CentralWorld Shopping Complex is the largest retail complex. Meanwhile, the West Edmonton Mall is the largest indoor amusement park.
Visiting the World’s Largest Building: What to Expect
Visiting the New Century Global Center is a great experience for both tourists and locals alike. Access to the building is easy, as it is located close to the Chengdu metro station.
Admission to the building is free, although some attractions may require an additional fee. The building offers a variety of amenities, including free WiFi, ATMs, currency exchange services, and more.
Conclusion
The New Century Global Center is the largest building in the world by floor area. It is an impressive feat of engineering and design, with a unique exterior and luxurious interior.
The building has a fascinating history, and it is currently used as a shopping mall, office complex, and entertainment destination. It is also home to a variety of attractions, such as an artificial beach, a Mediterranean-style village, and a giant LED screen.
Visiting the New Century Global Center is a great way to experience the grandeur of this incredible building.
