【Answer】Solution: As shown in the right figure, divide the shape into 8 small squares with a side length of 2 cm. $2 \times 2 \times 8=32$ (square cm)

Answer: The area of this shape is 32 square cm.
Therefore, the correct choice is: D.
17. As shown in the figure, each side is equal, and each angle is a right angle. According to the information, the area of the figure is $(\quad)$ square centimeters.
A. 16
B. 20
C. 24
D. 32