Building the World’s Largest Diamond Hub: A Marvel in Surat
Unveiling the Surat Diamond Bourse
In a surprising twist, the title of the world’s largest office building shifted from the renowned Pentagon to a colossal development in the Indian city of Surat. This new structure boasts over 7 million square feet of office space, accommodating nearly 70,000 workers, and is now recognized as the largest office building globally.
Surat: A Diamond Hub with a Dilemma
Surat, situated in the western Indian state of Gujarat, holds a significant position in the diamond industry, cutting and polishing a staggering 90 percent of the world’s diamonds. However, the existing process involves transporting rough stones to Surat, processing them in scattered workshops, and then sending the finished products over 200 kilometers away to Mumbai for trading. This inefficiency prompted the formation of the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), a collective initiative by around five thousand diamond businesses in the city.
The Monumental Design Challenge
Creating a building to house all of India’s diamond industry under one roof posed a monumental challenge. Architects Morphogenesis faced the daunting task of designing a structure capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people, providing consistent light conditions, and withstanding Surat’s stifling heat and monsoon rains.
The Ingenious Design Solution
Morphogenesis tackled the design challenge by opting for a unique plan. The SDB comprises nine fifteen-storey towers flanking a 400-meter central spine. This layout not only efficiently distributes the flow of people but also ensures each office receives optimal daylight, crucial for diamond inspection. The building’s spine helps regulate the extreme climate, catching prevailing winds to provide cooling.
A Building for Diamond Traders
Understanding the unique needs of diamond traders, the communal spaces in the spine and courtyards were incorporated to replicate the environment these traders are accustomed to. Instead of formal conference rooms, traders conduct business under trees, carrying diamonds in their pockets.
Overcoming Construction Challenges
Construction of this mammoth structure began in December 2017, involving 6,000 workers over four and a half years. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge as global supply chains dried up. To overcome this, the project prioritized local materials, with everything sourced within a 500-kilometer radius.
The Future: DREAM City
While the Surat Diamond Bourse stands as a remarkable achievement, it represents only the first phase of a grander plan: DREAM City, a seven-square-kilometer smart city designed to further support the diamond industry with additional housing and offices.
The Iconic Legacy
Despite challenges like the global economic downturn and the Ukraine war affecting the diamond market, the Surat Diamond Bourse has become an iconic structure, driving tourism and symbolizing resilience after the pandemic. It has brought architecture into everyday conversations and inspired the next generation of builders in India.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Resilience
The Surat Diamond Bourse is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of resilience and a testament to human ingenuity in the face of challenges. As it stands tall, it not only represents the diamond industry’s consolidation but also serves as an architectural marvel that has captured the imagination of people far beyond the realm of construction.
