Surat Diamond Bourse: India’s Gem Capital Overtakes US with World’s Largest Office

Surat, Gujarat, the gem capital of India, has surpassed the United States by hosting the world’s largest office building – the ‘Surat Diamond Bourse.’ Replacing the iconic Pentagon in the US, this interconnected office structure features nine rectangular buildings emanating from a central “spine.” Boasting a vast floor space of 7.1 million square feet, the Surat Diamond Bourse now holds the crown as the largest office building globally, dethroning the Pentagon, which held this title for almost 80 years.

The Surat Diamond Bourse has a platinum ranking from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). The central spine’s shape funnels wind through the structure, while radiant cooling reduces indoor temperatures by circulating chilled water under the floors.

Surat Diamond Bourse Building complex details

• The state-of-the-art building boasts several eco-friendly features, enabling it to consume up to 50% less energy, earning it a coveted “platinum” rating from the Indian Green Building Council. Among its innovative elements is a “radiant cooling” system that circulates chilled water beneath the floors, effectively reducing indoor temperatures.
• Solar energy powers the common areas, and the building’s offices are interconnected through a spacious central corridor, reminiscent of an airport terminal. With a grand capacity, it accommodates 4,700 office spaces and is equipped with 131 elevators.
• The Surat Diamond Bourse comprises nine interconnected buildings connected by a 24 feet-wide spine corridor.
• Each of these buildings stands 15 storeys tall along with a ground floor.
• The complex of 4,500 diamond trading offices is spread across 35.54 acres and can accommodate 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders.
• Each office ranges from 300 to 75,000 square feet. The bourse also has a 2 million square feet parking area in its basement.
• The facility will have highly secured campus security check points at all entries and exits, CCTV surveillance, control rooms, public announcement systems, and the provision of under car scanners at entry gates.

Surat Diamond Bourse Building Facilities

The Surat Diamond Bourse offers a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the needs of its occupants. These include secure safe deposit vaults, spacious conference halls, versatile multi-purpose halls, inviting restaurants, banking services, a customs clearance house, and a convention center.

Additionally, the bourse boasts exhibition centers, well-equipped training facilities, entertaining areas, and a club for the enjoyment of its members. Ensuring the safety and security of the premises, comprehensive security plans are also in place. This exceptional array of amenities makes the Surat Diamond Bourse a truly modern and comprehensive hub for the diamond industry.

Who designed this building?

The renowned architecture firm, Morphogenesis, based in New Delhi, was responsible for designing the impressive Surat Diamond Bourse. Surpassing the Pentagon’s achievement was not the original intention, as stated by Gadhavi.

The construction of the Surat Diamond Bourse, which lasted for approximately four years, encountered a delay of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The official inauguration of this colossal office building is scheduled for later this year and will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In November, the first occupants are expected to move into the building, marking a significant milestone for the diamond industry in Surat, Gujarat.

World top 10 Largest Office building

Building	City	Country	Floor area (m2)	Height (ft)	Height (m)	Floors	Year
Surat Diamond Bourse	Surat, Gujarat	India	660,000	268	81.9	15	2023
The Pentagon	Arlington	United States	620,000	77	23.5	7	1943
FCA US LLC Headquarters	Auburn Hills	United States	490,000	249	76	15	1993
The Exchange 106	Kuala Lumpur	Malaysia	453,835	1,462	445.5	95	2019
Willis Tower	Chicago	United States	416,000	1,451	442	108	1974
Petronas Twin Towers	Kuala Lumpur	Malaysia	395,000	1,483	451.9	88	1996
CCTV Headquarters	Beijing	China	389,079	768	234	51	2012
Ping An Finance Centre	Shenzhen	China	385,918	1,965	599.1	115	2017
Shanghai World Financial Center	Shanghai	China	381,600	1,614	492	101	2008
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower	Tokyo	Japan	380,105	781	238	54	2003

 

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