The world is home to many impressive and massive structures, some of which stand as symbols of human ingenuity and engineering prowess. These buildings are often landmarks of their respective cities or countries, attracting millions of visitors every year. Here are some of the biggest buildings in the world, both by height and by area.
Tallest Buildings
Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Burj Khalifa stands as the tallest building in the world, with a height of 828 meters (2,716 feet) and 163 floors. It took six years to build and was completed in 2010. The building has become a symbol of Dubai’s modern and ambitious architecture, attracting millions of tourists every year.
Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China
The Shanghai Tower is the second-tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 632 meters (2,073 feet) with 128 floors. The tower was completed in 2015, and it serves as a centerpiece of the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai.
Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower is the third-tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 601 meters (1,971 feet) with 120 floors. It is part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, which serves as a government-owned hotel, and the clock tower features the world’s largest clock face.
Ping An Finance Center – Shenzhen, China
The Ping An Finance Center is the fourth-tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 599 meters (1,965 feet) with 115 floors. The tower was completed in 2017 and is the headquarters of the Ping An Insurance company.
Lotte World Tower – Seoul, South Korea
The Lotte World Tower is the fifth-tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 555 meters (1,819 feet) with 123 floors. The tower was completed in 2017 and is a mixed-use building that features offices, residences, and a hotel.
Largest Buildings by Area
The Boeing Everett Factory – Everett, Washington, United States
The Boeing Everett Factory is the largest building in the world by area, with a total floor area of 398,000 square meters (4.3 million square feet). The factory is where Boeing produces its 747, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes, and it has been in operation since 1967.
Tesla Gigafactory 1 – Sparks, Nevada, United States
The Tesla Gigafactory 1 is the second-largest building in the world by area, with a total floor area of 372,000 square meters (4 million square feet). The factory is where Tesla produces its electric vehicles and energy storage products, and it is one of the company’s most important facilities.
Jean-Luc Lagardère Plant – Toulouse, France
The Jean-Luc Lagardère Plant is the third-largest building in the world by area, with a total floor area of 122,000 square meters (1.3 million square feet). The plant is where Airbus produces its A380 superjumbo passenger aircraft, and it is one of the largest airplane factories in the world.
Meyer Werft Dockhalle 2 – Papenburg, Germany
The Meyer Werft Dockhalle 2 is the fourth-largest building in the world by area, with a total floor area of 63,000 square meters (678,000 square feet). The building is where the Meyer Werft shipyard assembles its cruise ships, and it can accommodate vessels up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) long