Gandhinagar: Surat, the vibrant diamond city in Gujarat has made a remarkable mark on the global stage by surpassing The Pentagon to become the world's largest office building. Known as the world's diamond capital, where 90% of precious stones are cut, Surat now boasts the impressive Surat Diamond Bourse, a 15-storey architectural marvel dedicated to the gemstone industry.

Designed by Delhi-based Morphogenesis, the Surat Diamond Bourse is an embodiment of the five elements of nature - water, fire, air, earth, and sky - as it stands tall at 81.9 meters and covers a staggering 7.1 million square feet of floor space. Surpassing The Pentagon, the renowned headquarters of the US defense department, the Diamond Bourse has truly become a symbol of India's entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

The building's unique design comprises nine interconnected rectangular structures emanating from a central spine, accommodating more than 4,700 diamond offices and serving as a workspace for 65,000 industry professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders.

Notably, the Surat Diamond Bourse offers a blend of functionality and luxury, featuring marble floors, light-filled atriums, courtyards with seating, and water features. The building provides a conducive environment for diamond merchants, offering a range of office sizes from 300 sq ft to 25,000 sq ft, each meticulously crafted to cater to the specific needs of the gemstone industry.

Construction of the Surat Diamond Bourse commenced in 2019, initially not with the intention of claiming the title of the world's largest office building. However, as the project progressed and requirements evolved, it surpassed all expectations, ultimately outdoing The Pentagon. The building was completed within four and a half years, attracting a significant interest from diamond companies, all of whom purchased office space even before its completion.

The Surat Diamond Bourse is poised to play a pivotal role in boosting Surat's diamond industry by serving as a hub for trade, innovation, and collaboration. Scheduled to welcome its first occupants in November, the building's inauguration is expected to be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi himself acknowledged the significance of the Surat Diamond Bourse, praising its dynamism and growth in Surat's diamond industry. He commended the project for exemplifying India's entrepreneurial spirit, affirming its potential to contribute significantly to the country's economy and generate employment opportunities.

As India's diamond capital takes its place on the global stage with the world's largest office building, it cements its position as a beacon of innovation and progress, showcasing the nation's thriving spirit and commitment to excellence./BI