Architecture studio Morphogenesis has revealed the impressive Surat Diamond Bourse in India, surpassing the Pentagon to claim the title of the world’s largest office building. Covering a vast area of 660,000sqm, this remarkable structure was conceived as a city within a city to accommodate the world’s largest community of diamond traders. Know more about it on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
Surat Diamond Bourse in India surpasses the Pentagon to claim the title of the world’s largest office building.
Designed to empower the diamond professionals, the building comprises nine 15-storey wings arranged around a central corridor, housing 4,717 offices for 67,000 traders. Despite its enormous scale, the Surat Diamond Bourse maintains a humane and intimate atmosphere by featuring predominantly small offices with ample natural light.
Designed to empower the diamond professionals, the building comprises nine 15-storey wings arranged around a central corridor, housing 4,717 offices for 67,000 traders.
To encourage interaction and create a sense of community, the building’s central spine boasts full-height atriums and balconies on each level. A resource distribution channel and social atrium, this spine allows for chance interactions and informal outdoor workspaces.
The design also prioritizes sourcing local materials such as vibrant Lakha red granite and Gwalior white sandstone, within a limited radius, further enhancing its visual identity.
Incorporating thoughtful sustainability measures, the wings are oriented north-south to reduce the impact of sunlight, while courtyards offer shaded spaces for informal trading and meetings. The design also prioritizes sourcing local materials such as vibrant Lakha red granite and Gwalior white sandstone, within a limited radius, further enhancing its visual identity.
To encourage interaction and create a sense of community, the building’s central spine boasts full-height atriums and balconies on each level.
Apart from the extensive office spaces, the Surat Diamond Bourse building features a food zone, retail plaza, health club, and conference and banquet facilities, providing a holistic and vibrant environment for the diamond community.
Image credit: Edmund Sumner