Surat, the lesser-known gem capital of the world, has set a new milestone in the global business landscape with the opening of the Surat Diamond Bourse, which now holds the title of the world’s largest office building. Surat, located in Gujarat, India, accounts for approximately 90% of the world’s diamond cutting, making it a significant hub for the diamond industry.
The impressive 15-story complex, sprawled across 35 acres of land, serves as a “one-stop destination” for over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders. The building, comprising nine rectangular structures interconnected by a central “spine,” boasts a remarkable floor space of more than 7.1 million square feet, surpassing the renowned Pentagon.
The project, initiated four years ago, is set to welcome its first occupants in November, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to officially inaugurate the facility. The Surat Diamond Bourse is designed to meet the needs of diamond businesses and prevent thousands of individuals from frequently traveling to Mumbai for business purposes.
The lavish interiors of the building feature marble floors, sunlit atriums, and over 4,700 office spaces that can also serve as compact workshops for diamond cutting and polishing. The development, valued at 32 billion rupees ($388 million), is equipped with 131 elevators and offers an array of amenities, including dining, retail, wellness, and conference facilities.
The Surat Diamond Bourse was designed by Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, which won the international design competition. The project’s size was driven by demand, with offices being purchased by diamond companies before construction began. Morphogenesis focused on creating a “level playing field” for businesses of all sizes, ensuring convenient access to amenities for all occupants. The design also includes 1.5-acre courtyards, providing casual meeting places for traders, inspired by the bustling traditional bazaars where many informal transactions occur.
In addition to being the world’s diamond cutting capital, Surat holds aspirations for further development. Plans for a major redevelopment named “Dream City” envision a “smart” city covering almost 700 hectares of south Surat. The Surat Diamond Bourse will act as an “anchor tenant” for this ambitious plan.
Sustainable design is at the forefront of the Surat Diamond Bourse, with Morphogenesis’ environmentally conscious approach earning the building a “platinum” rating from the Indian Green Building Council. The design incorporates natural ventilation and radiant cooling to reduce energy consumption, utilizing solar energy to power common areas.
The Surat Diamond Bourse’s record-breaking status and sustainable features are a testament to India’s commitment to creating innovative and eco-friendly architectural solutions. As Surat continues to thrive as a global diamond trading hub, its new landmark building stands as a symbol of the city’s progress and potential for future growth.
