World's Largest Office Building: Exploring the Grandeur of the Pentagon

The Pentagon: A Brief Introduction

The Pentagon is the world's largest office building and is located in Arlington County, Virginia. It covers a total area of 6.5 million square feet and houses approximately 23,000 employees. The construction of the Pentagon was started in September 1941, just a few months before the United States entered World War II. The building was completed in January 1943, and since then, it has served as the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense.

The Design of the Pentagon

The Pentagon was designed by architects George Bergstrom and David J. Witmer, along with consulting architects Paul Cret and Ernest Weiberg. The building is in the shape of a five-sided polygon, and each side is 921 feet long. It consists of five floors above ground and two basement levels. The original design of the Pentagon included ten stories, but due to budget constraints, it was scaled down to the current size, five floors above ground.

The Grandeur of the Pentagon

The Pentagon is an impressive sight to behold, not just for its size, but also for its architectural design. The building features a unique combination of Art Deco and Modernist architectural styles. The exterior of the building is made of reinforced concrete, and it has a series of concentric rings that are constructed around a central courtyard. The courtyard is five acres in size, and it is known as the "Pentagon Center Court." It is lined with trees and benches and is a popular spot for employees to eat lunch or relax during their break.

Some Interesting Facts about the Pentagon

Here are some fascinating tidbits about the Pentagon:

• The Pentagon contains about 17.5 miles of corridors.
• The building has five sides, five floors above ground, and two basement levels.
• The cost of the Pentagon was $83 million, which is equivalent to more than one billion dollars in today's currency.
• The Pentagon is the largest office building in the world, in terms of floor space.
• The building has 68,000 miles of telephone cable, which is enough to circle the Earth more than two and a half times.

The Renovation of the Pentagon

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the Pentagon underwent a massive renovation. A total of $4.5 billion was spent on the renovation, and it took six years to complete. The renovation included upgrades in security, communications, and technology. In addition, a new wedge was added to the building to replace the section that was destroyed in the attack.

Visiting the Pentagon

The Pentagon is not open to the general public, but it is possible to tour the building by booking a tour through your Member of Congress. Visitors must be US citizens and must provide proper identification. The tour takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, and it includes a visit to the Pentagon Memorial, a tribute to the 184 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

Conclusion

The Pentagon is a testament to the vision and ingenuity of its architects and builders. Its unique design and massive size make it a remarkable landmark in the United States. The building serves as a symbol of the United States Department of Defense and the United States Armed Forces. Visiting the Pentagon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed.