As I was reading through some news headlines tonight, I came across an article from CBS News about the largest stand-alone building in the WORLD. I immediately clicked on it and then my jaw hit the floor.
When I heard LARGEST building in the WORLD, I started thinking “Oh goodness, not another huge skyscraper…” But I was so, so wrong.
Meet the New Century Global Center, located in Chengdu, China. Move over, Mall of America. Yes, this is a SHOPPING MALL. But it’s more than that. The developer has plans to create a hotel, an IMAX theater, an aquarium, as well as a water park with a beach inside. Did I tell you the beach has nearly a thousand feet of coastline? It has nearly 1,000 feet of coastline!!!
SO…just how large is the largest building in the world? 1.9 million square meters (Yep, that’s more than 20 million square feet). 329 Auburn Football fields (Go Tigers!) could fit inside this building. The article says the Global Center could fit 20 Sydney Opera Houses or 3 Pentagons!
Are you wondering WHY the New Century Global Center was built? Me too. According to the article, building “big” is a sign of success and achievement in China. Other than that, no reasoning was given behind the construction of this gigantic structure. From a sustainability standpoint, it does not make much sense at all.
At the beach, guests are able to view an oceanscape on-screen courtesy of a giant 150-meter wide LED screen. That is twice as long as the Statue of Liberty is high. Yes, two of these beautiful ladies!
Have you ever seen Disney’s movie Wall-E? The beach space reminds me of the Space Ship Axiom’s pool area. The large LED screen from the New Century Global Center reminds me of the “sky” on the Axiom. What do you think?
I recommend watching the video below. I have never seen so much marble in my life!
Full article and video:
References:
http://floris9.deviantart.com/art/Statue-of-Liberty-193825660
Kathryn R Jones 