In the realm of architecture and urban development, few achievements are as awe-inspiring as the construction of the largest buildings in the world by floor area.
These monumental structures not only showcase human ingenuity and creativity but also serve as vital hubs for commerce, culture, and community.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, the demand for expansive spaces has led to remarkable architectural feats that push the boundaries of what is possible.
In this article, we will explore some of the largest buildings on the planet, highlighting their impressive dimensions and diverse functionalities.
1. AvtoVAZ main assembly building – 6,000,000 m2 (65,000,000 sq ft)
The AvtoVAZ main assembly building in Tolyatti, Russia, is the largest building in the world by area, covering 6 million square meters.
Established in 1970, it serves as the production site for AvtoVAZ’s Lada vehicles.
The facility features a length of 1,930 meters and a width of 460 meters, housing multiple production lines under one roof, which facilitates mass production efficiencies.
Since its inception, the plant has produced over 28 million vehicles and is a key player in the Russian automotive industry.
2. New Century Global Center – 1,760,000 m2 (18,900,000 sq ft)
New Century Global Center, located in Chengdu, China, is the world’s largest building by floor area, spanning approximately 1.7 million square meters.
Opened in 2013, it features a diverse range of facilities including a shopping mall, offices, conference rooms, hotels, and an indoor water park called “Paradise Island.”
The complex also includes an IMAX cinema, a skating rink, and themed areas like a “Mediterranean village.”
The building’s design is inspired by oceanic themes, creating an immersive environment for visitors. It is easily accessible via the Chengdu Metro.
3. Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 – 1,713,000 m2 (18,440,000 sq ft)
Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 is one of the largest airport terminals in the world, covering approximately 1.713 million square meters.
Opened on October 14, 2008, it primarily serves Emirates Airlines and some Qantas flights, handling up to 43 million passengers annually.
The terminal features three concourses (A, B, C), luxurious lounges, extensive shopping options, and numerous dining facilities.
It includes 180 check-in counters, 72 immigration counters, and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system capable of processing 8,000 bags per hour.
Terminal 3 is a key hub for international travel in the Middle East.
4. Abraj Al Bait Endowment – 1,575,815 m2 (16,961,930 sq ft)
Abraj Al Bait, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a prominent complex comprising seven towers, with the Makkah Royal Clock Tower being the tallest at 601 meters.
Completed in 2011, it features the world’s largest clock faces and houses over 10,000 hotel rooms, a shopping mall with around 4,000 stores, and facilities for up to 10,000 worshippers.
The complex includes luxury amenities like an Islamic museum and lunar observation center.
Built as part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project, it aims to enhance infrastructure for pilgrims visiting the holy city
5. Istanbul Airport Main Terminal – 1,440,000 m2 (15,500,000 sq ft)
Istanbul Airport’s main terminal, opened in 2018, is the largest airport terminal globally, covering over 1.4 million square meters.
It features a modern design with high ceilings and natural light, accommodating both domestic and international flights through five piers.
The terminal can handle up to 90 million passengers annually, with plans to expand capacity to 200 million.
Amenities include extensive shopping, dining options, lounges, and various passenger services.
Its unique architecture reflects Istanbul’s cultural heritage, making it a significant hub for global travel and a key asset for Turkish Airlines.
6. Iran Mall – 1,400,000 m2 (15,000,000 sq ft)
Iran Mall, located in northwest Tehran near Chitgar Lake, is the largest shopping mall in the world, covering approximately 1,400,000 square meters.
Opened in May 2018, it features a blend of modern and traditional Iranian architecture and includes over 700 retail units, extensive dining options, and cultural facilities.
The complex also hosts a library, an ice hockey rink, and a large exhibition center.
With its diverse offerings and recreational spaces, Iran Mall serves as a key destination for shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities in the region.
7. Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 – 1,300,000 m2 (14,000,000 sq ft)
Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1, opened in 1972, is the main terminal of the airport, covering a vast area and accommodating around 50 million passengers annually.
It consists of three main concourses: A (Schengen flights), B, and C (non-Schengen flights), with a total of 103 gates, including jetways.
The terminal features extensive amenities such as over 50 dining options, shopping outlets, and lounges.
It also includes a railway station for easy access to regional and long-distance trains. Terminal 1 serves as a key hub for Lufthansa and various international airlines.
8. CentralWorld – 1,024,000 m2 (11,020,000 sq ft)
CentralWorld, located in Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the largest shopping complexes in the world, covering approximately 1,024,000 square meters.
Opened in 1989 and expanded significantly in 2006, it features over 500 retail stores, 100 restaurants, and entertainment options like a 15-screen cinema and an ice-skating rink.
The complex includes the largest Central Department Store in Thailand and hosts various events in its outdoor square.
Easily accessible via the BTS Skytrain, CentralWorld offers a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in the heart of Bangkok.
9. Aalsmeer Flower Auction – 990,000 m2 (10,700,000 sq ft)
The Aalsmeer Flower Auction, located in Aalsmeer, Netherlands, is the largest flower auction globally, covering 999,000 square meters.
It operates as a Dutch auction, where prices start high and decrease until buyers make their bids.
Approximately 43 million flowers are sold daily from various countries, with peak sales around holidays.
The auction is open to the public on weekdays from 7 AM to 11 AM, except Thursdays when it closes at 9 AM.
Visitors can observe the auction process from a designated gallery, offering a unique insight into the global flower trade.
10. Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 – 986,000 m2 (10,610,000 sq ft)
Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3, opened in 2008, is the second-largest passenger terminal globally, covering approximately 986,000 square meters.
It features three concourses: T3C for domestic flights, T3D for Air China domestic flights, and T3E for international flights.
The terminal can handle around 73 million passengers annually and includes 120 gates, extensive shopping and dining options, and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system.
Designed to resemble a dragon, it combines modern architecture with traditional Chinese elements and offers efficient transportation connections via an automated people mover.
11. The Venetian Macao – 980,000 m2 (10,500,000 sq ft)
The Venetian Macao is a luxurious hotel and casino resort located on the Cotai Strip in Macau, China.
It features 3,000 suites, a 550,000 sq ft casino, and a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena for events.
Modeled after its Las Vegas counterpart, it is the world’s largest casino and the largest single-structure hotel in Asia, boasting over 10.5 million sq ft of floor space.
The resort includes extensive shopping options, dining venues, and themed gaming areas.
12. Giga Texas – 929,000 m2 (10,000,000 sq ft)
Giga Texas, also known as Tesla Gigafactory Texas, is a significant manufacturing facility located in Austin, Texas, covering approximately 2,500 acres.
The factory spans over 10 million square feet and serves as Tesla’s primary production hub for the Model Y and Cybertruck.
Recently, Tesla announced plans for a massive expansion, adding over 5 million square feet to the facility by December 2025.
This expansion includes various projects such as battery cell production and drive unit manufacturing, emphasizing Tesla’s commitment to increasing electric vehicle output in the U.S.
13. The Londoner – 890,000 m2 (9,600,000 sq ft)
The Londoner is a luxurious 5-star hotel located at 38 Leicester Square, London, near major attractions like Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus.
It features spacious rooms with high-end amenities, a rooftop Japanese restaurant, multiple bars, and a serene spa.
Guests can enjoy facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and event spaces.
The hotel is ideally situated for exploring London’s vibrant culture and entertainment scene, with theatres and shopping just minutes away.
Check-in is at 3 PM, and check-out is at 12 PM.
14. King Abdulaziz International Airport Terminal 1 – 810,000 m2 (8,700,000 sq ft)
King Abdulaziz International Airport’s Terminal 1 is a modern facility covering 810,000 square meters, capable of handling over 30 million passengers annually.
It features 46 gates, including dual-purpose ones, and is equipped with an advanced baggage handling system.
The terminal includes amenities such as lounges, a central garden, and a large aquarium.
An internal transportation system connects various airport sections, enhancing passenger convenience.
Opened in 2019, Terminal 1 serves as the main hub for Saudia and other international airlines, significantly improving the airport’s operational capacity and passenger experience.
15. Ciputra World 1 Complex – 583,000 m2 (6,280,000 sq ft)
Ciputra World 1 Complex is a prominent mixed-use development located in Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta, Indonesia.
Covering 5.5 hectares, it features three main towers: Raffles Hotel, My Home Apartments, and DBS Bank Tower.
The complex also includes the Ciputra Artpreneur Center, which houses a museum, theater, and gallery, alongside Lotte Shopping Avenue, a major retail destination.
Completed in 2013, Ciputra World 1 is part of a larger project that aims to enhance the urban landscape and provide luxury living, shopping, and entertainment options in Jakarta.
16. Marina Bay Sands – 581,400 m2 (6,258,000 sq ft)
Marina Bay Sands is an iconic integrated resort located in Singapore, featuring a distinctive design by architect Moshe Safdie.
Opened in 2010, it includes a hotel with 2,561 rooms, the world’s largest atrium casino, and a 150-meter infinity pool atop the Sands SkyPark.
The complex also houses luxury shopping at The Shoppes, numerous fine dining restaurants, and the ArtScience Museum.
Marina Bay Sands is renowned for its stunning views and vibrant nightlife, making it a premier destination for both tourists and locals.
An expansion is planned to add a fourth hotel tower and a large arena.
17. Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower – 580,000 m2 (6,200,000 sq ft)
Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower, completed in 2012, is a super-tall skyscraper located on Pham Hung Boulevard in Hanoi, Vietnam.
It stands at 350 meters with 72 stories, making it the tallest building in Hanoi.
The complex includes a 5-star InterContinental hotel, office spaces from the 12th to 46th floors, and two residential towers of 48 stories each.
The notable Sky 72 observation deck on the top floor offers panoramic views of the city.
The tower symbolizes Vietnam’s economic growth and features various entertainment and retail options within its base.
18. Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 – 570,000 m2 (6,100,000 sq ft)
Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 1 is one of the largest airport passenger terminals globally, covering 570,000 square meters.
Opened on July 6, 1998, it features extensive facilities, including over 200 check-in counters and various shopping and dining options.
Recent enhancements include a sky bridge connecting to the North Satellite Concourse, which opened in November 2022, improving passenger flow.
The terminal is undergoing further upgrades to enhance the traveler experience with new zones and interactive features.
It serves as a major hub for international flights and is integral to Hong Kong’s status as a global travel gateway.
19. Suvarnabhumi Airport – 563,000 m2 (6,060,000 sq ft)
Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok International Airport, is Thailand’s primary airport, located in Samut Prakan Province, about 31 kilometers east of Bangkok.
Opened on September 28, 2006, it features a single terminal covering 563,000 square meters and can handle up to 60 million passengers annually after ongoing expansions.
The airport has two parallel runways and serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
It connects to destinations in 64 countries, accommodating over 95 airlines.
20. ATL Logistics Centre, Centre B – 550,000 m2 (5,900,000 sq ft)
ATL Logistics Centre, Block B is a 13-storey logistics facility located at 8 Container Port Road South in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong.
Opened in 1981, it offers industrial space for rent, including workshops and offices.
The centre is strategically positioned near the Kwai Chung Container Terminal, providing efficient access for cargo handling and distribution.
It features a central air-conditioning system and has a slab-to-slab height of 5 meters.
The facility is designed to accommodate vehicle access and supports various logistics operations, making it a key player in Hong Kong’s logistics sector.
21. Kunming Changshui International Airport – 548,300 m2 (5,902,000 sq ft)
Kunming Changshui International Airport is located 25 km northeast of Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
Opened on June 28, 2012, it replaced the former Wujiaba Airport and has become one of the busiest airports in China, handling over 48 million passengers in 2019.
The airport features a single terminal that covers 548,300 square meters and has two runways, measuring 4,500 meters and 4,000 meters in length.
It serves as a hub for several airlines and offers access via metro line 6, taxis, and airport buses.
22. Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 – 544,000 m2 (5,860,000 sq ft)
Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 (T1), opened on June 17, 2009, covers approximately 550,000 m² and is the fifth largest terminal globally.
It has a capacity of 33 million passengers annually and features 144 check-in counters, 50 boarding gates, and 12,000 parking spaces.
The terminal is organized into four levels: Level 0 for arrivals, Level 1 for departures (gates A, B, C), and Level 3 for additional departures and security.
T1 offers various shops and restaurants, along with VIP lounges and a free shuttle service connecting to Terminal 2.
23. Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center – 533,000 m2 (5,740,000 sq ft)
The Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center is a prominent university hospital located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
Spanning 5.7 million square feet, it is one of the largest buildings in the U.S.
The center houses the University of Washington Medical Center and various health-related academic disciplines, including schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Nursing.
Construction began in 1947, with the original building dedicated in 1949.
It was renamed in 1978 to honor U.S. Senator Warren G. Magnuson, a UW alumnus.
24. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Terminal 3A – 530,000 m2 (5,700,000 sq ft)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Terminal 3A, opened in August 2017, is the largest terminal at the airport, handling both domestic and international flights with a capacity of 45 million passengers annually.
It features 66 gates and offers various amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
The terminal is accessible via the Chongqing Rail Transit Line 10 and free shuttle buses connect it to Terminal 2.
Additionally, it supports multiple airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, which operates its services from this terminal.
25. Osaka Station City – 530,000 m2 (5,700,000 sq ft)
Osaka Station City is a major shopping and entertainment complex located in the Umeda district of Osaka, Japan.
Opened in 2011 after extensive renovations, it features a large glass roof and spans four buildings: North Gate, South Gate, JR Tower, and Inogate Osaka.
The complex includes over 150 shops, restaurants, and a cinema, alongside nine plazas that provide green spaces and relaxation areas.
Notable facilities include Daimaru Department Store and the Lucua shopping complex.
The station serves as a vital transportation hub, connecting various train lines and enhancing accessibility throughout the region.
26. Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 – 502,000 m2 (5,400,000 sq ft)
Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 (T3) in Delhi, inaugurated in July 2010, is one of the largest passenger terminals globally, covering 5.4 million square feet.
It has a capacity to handle 34 million passengers annually and features two levels: the upper for departures and the lower for arrivals.
T3 is equipped with 168 check-in counters, 95 immigration counters, and 78 aerobridges, including those suitable for Airbus A380 aircraft.
The terminal also offers extensive amenities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and medical facilities, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
