The second largest office building in the world is The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, USA.
The Pentagon: A Colossus of Global Office Space
The iconic Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, stands as the second largest office building globally. Its immense scale and distinctive five-sided shape make it a recognizable landmark and a vital operational center for national security. Completed in a remarkably short period during World War II, it remains a testament to rapid engineering and strategic planning.
Housing approximately 26,000 military and civilian personnel, The Pentagon is more than just an office building; it is a self-contained city, providing a comprehensive range of facilities to support its vast workforce. Its design prioritizes efficiency, allowing personnel to navigate its extensive corridors relatively quickly, despite its enormous size.
Key Facts and Figures
Below are some noteworthy statistics that highlight the sheer scale of The Pentagon:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Arlington, Virginia, United States |
| Primary Tenant | U.S. Department of Defense |
| Total Floor Area | Approximately 6.5 million square feet (about 604,000 square meters) |
| Office Space | Approximately 3.7 million square feet (about 344,000 square meters) dedicated to office use |
| Corridors | Over 17.5 miles (28 kilometers) of corridors |
| Employees | Roughly 26,000 military and civilian personnel |
| Construction | Began September 11, 1941; completed January 15, 1943 |
| Cost | Approximately $83 million (in 1943 dollars) |
| Stories | 5 stories above ground, 2 basement levels |
For further details, explore information about The Pentagon.
Architectural Significance and Layout
The Pentagon's unique design features five concentric rings connected by ten radial corridors, making it possible to walk between any two points in the building within approximately seven minutes. This innovative layout was crucial for facilitating rapid communication and movement among different departments during wartime. The central five-acre (2.0-hectare) courtyard, known as "Ground Zero," adds to its distinct character. Beyond its functional design, the building's architecture reflects a blend of practicality and monumentality, embodying the strength and logistical capabilities of the U.S. military. Its construction used an impressive amount of concrete and steel, much of which was recycled from other projects.
While the definition of "largest office building" can sometimes be debated due to the inclusion of mixed-use developments, The Pentagon consistently ranks among the top by sheer dedicated office space, making its position as the second largest indisputable in current assessments.
