In a historic milestone, the United States Department of Defense's iconic headquarters, the Pentagon, has lost its title as the world's largest office building after an impressive eight-decade reign. Surat Diamond Bourse, a newly-developed office complex in Surat, Gujarat, India, has now taken the crown, breaking records and setting new standards in office space.
The Surat Diamond Bourse is a massive architectural marvel, covering a staggering 7.1 million square feet of floor space and sprawling across 35.5 acres of land in the heart of the diamond capital of India. The grand property, adorned with stunning marble floors and an elegantly lit central area, boasts 15 floors and offers 4,500 office spaces catering to the diamond merchants' needs. These offices come in various sizes, ranging from 28 square meters to a whopping 7,000 square meters, providing cutting and polishing workshops for the precious gems.
Designed by the renowned Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, the diamond bourse wasn't initially intended to surpass the Pentagon in size. The project's CEO, Mahesh Gadhavi, clarified that the focus was on creating a world-class facility for the diamond industry.
Surat Diamond Bourse vs. The Pentagon: The Battle for Supremacy
The Pentagon's office space spans 6,500,000 square feet, nearly three times the floor area of the Empire State Building. With an impressive 7,754 windows and corridors stretching over 28 kilometers, the Pentagon's unique spoke-and-ring design enables quick access between the building's farthest points, taking only about seven minutes to traverse.
As the Surat Diamond Bourse readies for its grand inauguration, the project is estimated to have cost around $388 million (approximately Rs 3,200 crore). Despite facing challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the complex's first occupants are set to move in this November, marking the completion of the four-year-long construction journey.
Sustainability at the Core: Energy-Efficient Design
Beyond its monumental size and grandeur, the Surat Diamond Bourse sets itself apart with a focus on sustainability. The architectural marvel incorporates energy-efficient features, utilizing natural ventilation for almost half of the structure and integrating solar-powered common areas.
The Surat 'Dream City' Project: Transforming the Urban Landscape
As the Surat Diamond Bourse shines as a symbol of progress and innovation, the city's ambitious 'Dream City' project is also underway. Envisioned as a transformative initiative spread across approximately 1,730 acres, the project aims to revamp and elevate the city's urban landscape to new heights.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse later this year, India celebrates yet another architectural marvel, propelling the nation to new heights on the global stage. The diamond bourse's unparalleled scale and vision mark a significant step towards Surat's transformation into a thriving hub of commerce, trade, and cutting-edge infrastructure. As the world witnesses India's emergence as a global powerhouse, the Surat Diamond Bourse stands as a testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to progress and prosperity.
