Large as life

Think of diamond trading and one might conjure up Antwerp, Belguim – yet 90% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in in the Gujariti city of Surat, India. Answering the demand to adequately house this immense industry, the 7.1 million sq ft SurAt diAMond bourSe has recently opened, taking the Pentagon’s title of world’s largest office building. Knocking the US government building off the top spot after more than 80 years, the building is the first in a planned ‘smart’ city that will span south Surat.

Designed by Indian practice morphogenesIs, the building comprises nine rectangular structures connected by a central ‘spine’ that features a series of full-height, 15-storey atriums, overlooked by balconies on each level.

The spine fans out at its end to allow air to naturally cool the building and cold water is circulated underfloor to regulate indoor temperatures. Aiming to source materials as close to the site as possible, the practice used local Gwalior white sandstone and Lakha red granite for the cladding and spine.

The interior design and architecture were informed by Morphogenesis’ research into the Indian diamond trade, providing traders with casual meeting spaces within nine enormous, self-shaded courtyards, complete with seating and water features. The project is set to welcome its first occupants in November 2023, with 4,717 offices for 67,000 diamond professionals alongside dining, retail, wellness and conference facilities.

morphogenesIs.org