Surat: India’s hub of precious gems, Surat in Gujarat, has outshined the United States by hosting the world’s largest office. Known as the ‘Surat Diamond Bourse,’ this monumental 15-story complex is a veritable haven for over 65,000 diamond experts. With its extensive 7.1 million square feet of floor space spread across a sprawling area of 35 acres, Surat Diamond Bourse surpasses even the renowned Pentagon in the US as the largest office building worldwide.
The magnificent structure comprises nine interconnected rectangular modules extending from a central “spine.” It took four years to complete this architectural marvel, including a two-year delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the building later this year, with its first occupants moving in come November, as per CNN’s report.
This awe-inspiring project has been initiated to not only accommodate Surat’s flourishing diamond industry but also to alleviate the burdensome commute of professionals who had to travel daily from Mumbai. Previously, countless individuals endured up to four hours commuting to and from their workplaces. However, with Surat now becoming the preferred destination for businesses, immense time and resources will be salvaged.
Delhi-based architecture firm, Morphogenesis, designed this state-of-the-art building. The CEO of the project, Mahesh Gadhavi, shared that its colossal size was a response to overwhelming demand rather than a deliberate attempt to surpass the Pentagon. The entire structure has been conceptualized with energy efficiency in mind, earning it a prestigious “platinum” rating from the Indian Green Building Council. Innovative features, such as a “radiant cooling” system that circulates chilled water beneath the floors, contribute to reduced indoor temperatures. Moreover, solar energy powers the communal areas and a long central corridor interconnects the offices, reminiscent of an airport terminal. This grand establishment offers an impressive 4,700 office spaces and boasts 131 elevators.
According to CNN, the Surat Diamond Bourse project incurred costs amounting to approximately 32 billion rupees.
