World’s Largest Building Opens in Beijing

Beijing Airport, Terminal 3
Beijing Airport, Terminal 3

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Beijing Airport’s new terminal 3, said to be the world’s largest building, has opened ahead of schedule with time to spare for the Olympic Games.

The terminal will be the point of entry for athletes who will arrive in the city. The deign features a dragon form with an aerodynamic roof that mimics the “thrill of flying.” At 1.3 million square meters, the building has the distinction of being the first structure to beat the one million square meter mark. It is expected to be able to accommodate 50 million passengers annually by 2020.

Beijing Airport, Terminal 3
Beijing Airport, Terminal 3

The terminal is unified by a single roof, and allows views of the outside. The skylights allow daylight to stream in, and serve as an orientation aid to passengers — the colors change from red to yellow, as you move through the building.

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