Surat Diamond Bourse Inaugurated, Set to Revolutionize Diamond Industry
Surat, India: Known as the diamond capital of the world, Surat has added another feather to its cap with the inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse. This state-of-the-art complex is poised to be a game-changer for the thriving diamond industry, accommodating over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders.
Spanning a colossal 7.1 million square feet of floor space, the Surat Diamond Bourse is set to dethrone the Pentagon as the world’s largest office building, as reported by CNN. The magnificent 15-story structure is spread across an impressive 35 acres, featuring a unique design of nine interconnected rectangular buildings emanating from a central “spine”.
The construction of this grand project took four years to complete, with unavoidable delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the hurdles, the Surat Diamond Bourse is now ready to welcome its first occupants in November, with an official opening ceremony scheduled later this year, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The bourse comprises a staggering 4,700 office spaces, designed not only for diamond trading but also to serve as small diamond-cutting and polishing workshops. To ensure smooth operations within the complex, 131 elevators have been strategically placed for easy accessibility. Additionally, the bourse offers dining, retail, wellness, and conference facilities, making it a self-sufficient ecosystem catering to the needs of its workers.
Mahesh Gadhavi, the CEO of the project, emphasized the pivotal role the Surat Diamond Bourse would play in the diamond industry. He stated that it would spare thousands of people from the daily travel to Mumbai by train for their business needs, making it a more favorable option for conducting diamond trade activities.
The architectural brilliance behind the Surat Diamond Bourse comes from the Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, which emerged victorious in an international design competition. Determined by the overwhelming demand, all the offices were pre-purchased by diamond companies before the construction began.
Morphogenesis’ design of the bourse is intended to foster equality among businesses of all sizes. The offices are connected through a central corridor, ensuring easy access to amenities and facilities for all occupants. Sonali Rastogi, the co-founder of Morphogenesis, revealed that the design aimed to ensure equal accessibility, with no office taking more than seven minutes to reach from any entry gate.
Taking inspiration from the Indian diamond trade’s traditional practices, the design also incorporates nine courtyards within the complex. These beautifully landscaped areas are reminiscent of bustling bazaars, acknowledging the prevalence of informal transactions taking place outside the office environment. Rastogi envisions these courtyards as vibrant public spaces where various activities are expected to flourish.
Currently, the Surat Diamond Bourse is surrounded by a low-rise setting. However, there are ambitious plans for a major redevelopment known as “Dream City.” This visionary plan aims to transform almost 700 hectares of south Surat into a smart city, with the Surat Diamond Bourse serving as its anchor tenant. This grand vision is set to elevate Surat’s prominence on the global stage even further.
As the Surat Diamond Bourse prepares to open its doors, there is an air of excitement and anticipation among the diamond community. The bourse is expected to revolutionize the diamond industry, providing a conducive and efficient environment for professionals to thrive and reinforce Surat’s position as the heart of the global diamond trade.
