Share This Article
- Introduction
- Design Concept
- Building Layout
- Central Spine
- Orientation
- Integration with Nature
- Sustainability Initiatives
- Other facilities
- Conclusion
Introduction
Designed by architecture studio Morphogenesis, the Surat Diamond Bourse now stands tall as the world’s largest office building, surpassing even the iconic Pentagon office. Nestled on the outskirts of Surat, India, this colossal structure spans an impressive 660,000 square meters and is designed to accommodate the world’s largest community of diamond traders. With keen attention to detail and a clear understanding of the traders’ lifestyle and business practices, the design team has crafted a building that is not only iconic but also deeply responsive to the needs of its occupants.
Design Concept
At the heart of the Surat Diamond Bourse lies a core concept aimed at empowering the diamond trading community. Founding partner of the design firm Morphogenesis, Sonali Rastogi emphasizes the importance of creating a building that caters to the unique lifestyle and business practices of the traders. Through detailed case studies and thoughtful design considerations, Morphogenesis has succeeded in creating a space that enhances social interaction, informal transactions, and seamless navigation between the spaces.
Building Layout
Comprising nine 15-storey wings arranged around a central corridor, the Surat Diamond Bourse offers a total of 4,717 offices for 67,000 diamond professionals. Despite its monumental size, the building maintains a sense of intimacy and human scale, with predominantly small offices arranged within narrow floor plates. Each office is fully day-lit and can be reached from any entrance point within seven minutes, facilitating ease of movement and connectivity.
Central Spine
A defining feature of the Surat Diamond Bourse is its central spine, conceived as more than just a corridor but as a resource distribution channel and social atrium. This expansive space encourages chance interactions and serves as a focal point for the entire building. Overlooked by balconies on each level, the central spine opens out into fan-like shades to facilitate natural ventilation and air circulation.
Orientation
The building’s orientation, with its 15-storey wings aligned north-south, minimizes the impact of the harsh western sun while maximizing natural light penetration. Fully glazed facades and strategically placed courtyards ensure that all office spaces are bathed in daylight, while local Gwalior white sandstone and Lakha red granite lend a sense of vibrancy and identity to the structure.
Integration with Nature
Morphogenesis has seamlessly invited nature into the Surat Diamond Bourse, with shaded courtyards serving as informal trading and meeting spaces. These self-shaded areas support the traders’ way of life, providing opportunities for recreation and open trading akin to a traditional Indian bazaar. The courtyards, along with the building’s green terraces and landscaped gardens, contribute to a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Surat Diamond Bourse also prioritizes sustainability through its choice of materials, locally sourced from within a 300-kilometer radius. The vibrant red Lakha granite apart from meeting the sustainability criteria also sparks a strong visual identity to the building. Additionally, energy-efficient design features, such as fully glazed facades and natural ventilation systems, reduce the building’s environmental footprint while enhancing occupant comfort.
Other facilities
In addition to its myriad office spaces, the Surat Diamond Bourse boasts a range of amenities, including a food zone, retail plaza, health club, and conference facilities. These facilities not only cater to the practical needs of the occupants but also enhance the overall experience of working within the building.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surat Diamond Bourse stands as a triumph of architectural ingenuity and innovation. By seamlessly mingling form and function, Morphogenesis has created a building that not only surpasses its predecessors in size but also sets a new standard for sustainability and user-centric design. The Surat Diamond Bourse will hence stand as an exemplary icon of inspiration for generations to come.