Cover Image Credits: Commercial Design
Surat, renowned as the global center for crafting 90% of the world’s diamonds, has proudly unveiled a remarkable new addition to support its thriving industry. The recently inaugurated Surat Diamond Bourse serves as an all-encompassing hub for more than 65,000 diamond professionals, comprising cutters, polishers, and traders.
CNN reports that the Surat Diamond Bourse, covering an extensive area of over 7.1 million square feet, surpassed the Pentagon, making it the largest office building globally. Spanning 35 acres, the impressive 15-story complex showcases a distinctive architectural design, featuring nine interconnected rectangular structures radiating from a central “spine.”
Following four years of construction, which faced some setbacks due to Covid-related delays, the Surat Diamond Bourse is poised to welcome its first occupants in November. The official inauguration will be done by Prime Minister Modi later this year.
The Surat Diamond Bourse offers an impressive array of more than 4,700 office spaces, which can also function as small diamond-cutting and polishing workshops. The development encompasses 131 elevators, along with various amenities such as dining, retail, wellness, and conference facilities too, to cater to the needs of the workers.
PM Modi Hails The Diamond Bourse
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the impressive Surat Diamond Bourse, expressing that it reflects the vibrancy and progress of Surat’s diamond industry. He took to Twitter to tweet about this and he said, “Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the dynamism and growth of Surat’s diamond industry. It is also a testament to India’s entrepreneurial spirit. It will serve as a hub for trade, innovation, and collaboration, further boosting our economy and creating employment opportunities.”
Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the dynamism and growth of Surat's diamond industry. It is also a testament to India’s entrepreneurial spirit. It will serve as a hub for trade, innovation and collaboration, further boosting our economy and creating employment opportunities. https://t.co/rBkvYdBhXv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 19, 2023
Delhi-based Morphogenesis Behind The Designing Of The Bourse
Delhi-based architecture firm Morphogenesis was the mastermind behind the construction of the Surat Diamond Bourse, securing victory in an international design competition. The project’s size was carefully planned based on demand, as all the offices were purchased by diamond companies before the commencement of construction.
Speaking to CNN, the CEO of the project, Mahesh Gadhavi said that surpassing the Pentagon’s size was not the primary objective of the project. Instead, the building’s size was determined based on the demand and requirements of the diamond industry.
The Thought Behind The Design
The layout of the Surat Diamond Bourse is thoughtfully designed to offer an equitable environment for both small and large businesses. The interconnected offices through a central corridor ensure easy access to various amenities and facilities for all occupants.
The state-of-the-art building is equipped with energy-efficient features, designed to consume up to 50% less energy, earning it a coveted “platinum” rating from the Indian Green Building Council. Among its innovations is a “radiant cooling” system that utilizes chilled water circulation beneath its floors, effectively lowering indoor temperatures.
Moreover, the building utilizes solar energy to power the common areas, while the offices are connected through a spacious central corridor, resembling the layout of an airport terminal.
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According to Sonali Rastogi, the co-founder of Morphogenesis, the design of the Surat Diamond Bourse was specifically focused on ensuring equal accessibility for all occupants. The goal was to ensure that no office would take more than seven minutes to reach from any of the entry gates, providing convenience and efficiency for everyone within the complex.
Morphogenesis’s research into the Indian diamond trade played a significant role in shaping the design of the building. Rastogi emphasized the incorporation of nine courtyards within the complex, strategically designed to serve as relaxed meeting places for traders.
The landscaped areas, resembling traditional bazaars, were intentionally included to acknowledge the prevalence of informal transactions happening beyond the office spaces. Rastogi described the courtyards as public parks, designed to facilitate various activities and interactions within the Surat Diamond Bourse.
At present, the surrounding areas of the Surat Diamond Bourse are characterized by low-rise structures. However, the landscape is poised for potential transformation with the ambitious “Dream City” redevelopment plan. This visionary initiative envisions the construction of a smart city spanning nearly 700 hectares in south Surat, with the new diamond hub serving as a prominent anchor tenant within the grand project.
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