Pentagon
Overview
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. It is one of the world's largest office buildings, with about 6,500,000 square feet (600,000 m2) of space, of which 3,700,000 square feet (340,000 m2) are used as offices. Approximately 23,000 military and civilian employees and about 3,000 non-defense support personnel work in the Pentagon.
History
The Pentagon was constructed during World War II to consolidate the country's defense activities into one location, replacing the old War Department Building. The design process was led by architect George Bergstrom and construction was overseen by general contractor John McShain. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 11, 1941, and the building was dedicated on January 15, 1943.
Architecture
The Pentagon's design is based on the principles of efficiency and practicality. It is a five-sided building, hence the name Pentagon, with five concentric rings, each with five corridors. This design allows for a maximum number of offices to be placed within the building while minimizing the amount of hallway space. The building's five sides are not identical; the northeast side is slightly longer than the others to accommodate a larger courtyard.
Function
The Pentagon serves as the headquarters for the United States Department of Defense, housing the offices of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and numerous defense agencies. It is also home to a number of non-defense agencies, such as the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.
Security
The Pentagon is one of the most secure buildings in the world. It is protected by a variety of security measures, including a police force of over 1,000 officers, extensive surveillance systems, and stringent access controls. The building is also designed to withstand significant structural damage, as demonstrated during the September 11 attacks.
Cultural Significance
The Pentagon is a symbol of American military power and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books. It is also a popular tourist destination, with guided tours available to the public.