The Belgian city of Antwerp is renowned as the world’s diamond trading hub, while most rough stones come from mining operations in Russia or Africa. However, approximately 150 miles north of Mumbai, India, lies a lesser-known gem capital: Surat, where a staggering 90% of all the world’s diamonds are cut.
Recently, Surat has achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse, a record-breaking building designed to accommodate its massive diamond industry. The bourse aims to become a comprehensive destination for over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders. The architectural marvel features a sprawling 15-story complex consisting of nine interconnected rectangular structures emanating from a central “spine,” covering more than 35 acres of land.
This ambitious project offers over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, surpassing the Pentagon and claiming the title of the world’s largest office building. After four years of construction, the Surat Diamond Bourse is set to welcome its first occupants in November, with the official opening planned for later in the year, to be graced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat and served as the state’s chief minister.
The stunning photographs shared exclusively with CNN showcase the bourse’s marble floors and light-filled atriums, connecting over 4,700 office spaces, many of which can function as small workshops for diamond cutting and polishing. The $388 million development also includes 131 elevators, dining, retail, wellness facilities, and conference spaces to cater to the workers’ needs.
Surat Diamond Bourse
The project’s CEO, Mahesh Gadhavi, believes the Surat Diamond Bourse will be a game-changer, sparing thousands of people from the daily commute to Mumbai for business purposes, which could take hours each day. By relocating their businesses to Surat, professionals can enjoy better accessibility and improved working conditions.
The building’s design was conceived by Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, following an international design competition. Although surpassing the Pentagon was not part of the initial brief, demand dictated the project’s size, as all the office spaces were already purchased by diamond companies before construction began.
Morphogenesis focused on creating a “level playing field” for businesses of all sizes. The design allows for convenient access to amenities and facilities for all occupants, as all offices are connected via a long central corridor reminiscent of an airport terminal. This “democratic” design ensures that no office takes more than seven minutes to reach from any of the building’s entry gates.
‘Democratic’ design
The layout also took into account the unique characteristics of the Indian diamond trade, with several courtyards designed to serve as informal meeting places for traders, akin to traditional bazaars. These landscaped areas are expected to facilitate human-to-human transactions outside the formal office environment.
As the Surat Diamond Bourse begins its operations, it is surrounded by low-rise structures. However, future plans for the city of Surat include a major redevelopment initiative called “Dream City,” a smart city project endorsed by Prime Minister Modi. The diamond bourse is poised to serve as an “anchor tenant” for this ambitious project.
Plans for transformation
Sustainable design was at the forefront of Morphogenesis’ planning, considering Surat’s extreme summer temperatures. The building consumes up to 50% less energy than the maximum permitted, earning it a “platinum” rating from the Indian Green Building Council. The architects utilized innovative techniques such as funneling prevailing winds through the structure and implementing “radiant cooling” to circulate chilled water under the floors, reducing indoor temperatures. Additionally, around half of the building utilizes natural ventilation, while solar energy powers common areas.
The Surat Diamond Bourse represents not only a significant landmark for the diamond industry but also a testament to sustainable and environmentally conscious architectural design in India.
