Surat, the Indian city renowned for diamond cutting and polishing, now hosts the world's largest office building, the Surat Diamond Bourse. Overthrowing the Pentagon in size, this architectural marvel spans 7.1 million square feet. Constructed as a one-stop destination for over 65,000 diamond professionals, it offers a unique egalitarian design. With a sustainable blueprint that consumes 50% less energy than standard, it is poised to become the heart of Surat's 'Dream City,' a proposed smart city. This new landmark not only solidifies Surat's dominance in the diamond industry but also shines as an icon of sustainable architecture.
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In Surat, a bustling city in India's Gujarat state, the new Surat Diamond Bourse has shattered records, overtaking the Pentagon to become the world's largest office building. Known for processing nearly 90% of the world's diamonds, Surat has now added a unique architectural gem to its crown.
Situated approximately 150 miles north of Mumbai, Surat, a city celebrated for its pivotal role in the diamond trade, has become home to this architectural marvel. This newly-inaugurated trading hub is set to serve over 65,000 diamond professionals, including polishers, traders, and cutters, all under one roof.
The state-of-the-art complex, built on an expansive 35-acre site, features nine interconnected rectangular structures anchored by a central “spine." Boasting an impressive floor space of 7.1 million square feet, the Surat Diamond Bourse leaves even the Pentagon behind in terms of sheer size.
Despite construction challenges, including a two-year delay due to Covid-related issues, the project is set to open later this year with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the inauguration. The trading centre, representing an investment of approximately $388 million, promises an innovative work environment with more than 4,700 office spaces. These offices, with their marble floors and sunlit atriums, can also function as compact workshops for diamond cutting and polishing.
Additional amenities include 131 elevators and a range of retail, dining, wellness, and conference facilities. The Bourse aims to streamline the commuting challenges of thousands of workers who otherwise would have to travel daily to Mumbai.
The Surat Diamond Bourse is the brainchild of Morphogenesis, an Indian architectural firm, conceived from an international design competition. The design focuses on an egalitarian approach, making sure that all businesses, irrespective of their size, enjoy similar access to the facility's amenities. The design is punctuated by nine 1.5-acre courtyards, serving as informal meeting spaces for traders, a nod to the unique dynamics of the Indian diamond trade.
The future holds exciting possibilities for Surat and its diamond hub. An ambitious plan called "Dream City" seeks to transform south Surat into a "smart city," with the Bourse as its fulcrum. The Bourse's design prioritizes sustainability, and Morphogenesis claims a 50% less energy consumption compared to the maximum permitted for a "platinum" rating from the Indian Green Building Council.
Moreover, half of the building uses natural ventilation, common areas are powered using solar energy, and a "radiant cooling" system helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Surat's latest architectural marvel, the Surat Diamond Bourse, has not only elevated its global standing in the diamond trade but has also significantly contributed to redefining workplace design. As a model of architectural innovation, energy conservation, and democratic design, it holds the promise of shaping the sustainable development narrative for cities around the world.
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