India is now home to the world’s largest office complex, a monumental achievement in architecture and urban planning. The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) has officially surpassed the Pentagon in the United States to claim the title of the world’s largest office building, a record the American military headquarters had held for 80 years.
The massive complex, which spans over 7.1 million square feet (660,000 square meters), is designed to be a “city within a city,” centralizing the entire diamond trade in Surat, a city already known as the epicenter for the cutting and polishing of 90% of the world’s rough diamonds.
The SDB, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is not just a building; it’s a colossal ecosystem designed for over 65,000 diamond professionals. The complex features nine interconnected 15-story towers that house nearly 4,500 offices, ranging from small workshops to large trading spaces.
Designed by the architectural firm Morphogenesis, the building is a marvel of both scale and sustainability. Its design prioritizes natural light and ventilation, with the self-shading blocks and nine landscaped courtyards ensuring that every office receives 100% natural daylight while minimizing the need for air conditioning. This eco-friendly approach has led to the complex consuming 50% less energy than a typical green building.
In addition to its immense size, the SDB offers a wide range of amenities, including a customs clearance house, a retail jewelry mall, international banking services, and secure vaults, making it a one-stop destination for the global diamond trade. The complex is expected to generate an annual turnover of over ₹2 lakh crore (approximately $24 billion), further cementing India’s position as a global leader in the diamond industry.
