The Surat Diamond Bourse became the world's largest office building. According to architects, it comprises over 7.1 mn square feet of floor space. It took four years of construction work, which was twice hampered by Covid-related delays, as per a CNN report.
Surat Diamond Bourse, billed as a 'one-stop destination' for over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers and traders, will welcome its first occupants in November. It features a succession of nine rectangular structures spilling out from a central 'spine'. The sprawling 15-storey complex has been built across more than 35 acres. It is expected to be officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New photos, shared by CNN, give a glimpse of the marble floors and light-filled atriums connecting over 4,700 office spaces, which can also double as small workshops for cutting and polishing diamonds. The $388 mn complex also houses 131 elevators, besides dining, retail, wellness and conference facilities for workers.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished
