Unveil the weighty wonders: 7 Heaviest buildings you must know!
Embark on a captivating journey through the realm of architectural grandeur and engineering marvels! In this article, we will actively explore 15 astonishing buildings that proudly claim their status as some of the heaviest structures on our planet. From The Great Mosque of Mecca to The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, each of these remarkable edifices bears awe-inspiring weight, both literally and symbolically. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale and weight of these architectural wonders!
The Great Mosque of Mecca:
This magnificent mosque, spanning 99 acres of land, consumed over 850,000 tons during its construction. With the capacity to hold 4.9 million people, it adds an enormous marvel to the realm of mosques.
Palace of Parliament:
Built from 700,000 tons of steel and bronze, combined with a massive 1 million m³ (35.3 million ft³) of marble, 3,500 tons (7.7 million lb) of crystal glass, and 900,000 m³ (31.7 million ft³) of wood, the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest stands as one of the world’s largest buildings. The construction of this grand structure required the relocation of 40,000 people and employed 30,000 workers. Interestingly, Romania had to increase its exports to repay the loan taken for the building’s construction.
Shanghai Tower:
Weighing over 850,000 tons, the Shanghai Tower is renowned for its status as the world’s second-largest building. It boasts the world’s fastest elevator and stands tall as one of the finest skyscrapers.
The Pentagon:
Located in the United States of America, this massive building spans almost 4 million square feet and utilizes nearly 30 acres of land. Its construction required approximately 700,000 tons of sand sourced from the nearby Potomac River.
Lotte World Tower:
Rising as a 123-storey skyscraper in Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea, the Lotte World Tower ranks as the sixth-largest building in the world and the tallest in the OECD countries as of 2017. Its roof structure was ingeniously designed to withstand its weight without reinforcing pillars, endure earthquakes up to a magnitude of 9 on the Richter scale, and withstand winds up to 80 m/s. The building itself weighs over 750,000 tons.
NASA Vehicle Assembly Building:
Serving as a hub for rocket and spacecraft construction, the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building stands among the world’s heaviest buildings. Covering 8 acres, this colossal structure required 98,590 tons of steel for its construction.
Windsor Castle:
Built in the 11th century, Windsor Castle stands as the oldest heavyweight on our list. Initially constructed as a fortress, it later became the residence of the royal family. The castle’s towering structures can be seen from the surrounding town of Windsor, solidifying its place among the world’s heaviest buildings.
Prepare to be enthralled by these architectural marvels that showcase the incredible scale and weight that can be achieved in construction. Each building holds its own unique story and contributes to the rich tapestry of our architectural heritage.
