WORKING HARD Inside world’s largest office that cost $388million, has over 130 elevators & is home to 90% of world’s diamonds
THE world's largest office building is a dazzling sight to behold costing $388million and boasting more than 130 elevators.
The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) is so huge that it toppled the previous title holder - the Pentagon - off the podium.
It outshines all the rest and stands proudly in India's "dream city," Surat, where 90 per cent of the world's gems are cut.
The jaw-dropping tower opened its doors in December 2023 after taking nine years to build.
Sitting on more than 35 acres of land the 15-storey complex boasts 7.1 million sq ft of floor space and is billed as a one-stop shop for over 65,000 diamond professionals.
The marble floors and light-filled atrium provide the perfect environment for diamond-cutting and polishing workshops.The Bourse aims to be a hub for all gem-related activities, including sales, manufacturing machines, software and lab-grown gems.
The incredible development also houses 131 elevators, as well as swanky amenities.
Conference halls, multi-purpose banquet halls, restaurants, banks and retail shops are all on offer for bling-loving business buffs.
And a sprawling recreational zone can also be found within the complex, offering a "sophisticated, yet soothing atmosphere for members and visitors to feel at ease."
Speaking while construction was underway the project’s CEO, Mahesh Gadhavi, said it would will save thousands of people from travelling to Mumbai by train to do business.
The building is the brainchild of an Indian architecture firm called Morphogenesis following an international design competition.
Discussing the details of their creation, the firm said: "The central spine is used for interconnection between towers on every level.
"The design enhances users' spatial and transitional experience across the building without highlighting the expanse of the structure.
"The central axis connecting all the offices is designed as an interactive hub comprising of break-out spaces, green atriums and a host of visual experiences.
"These spaces have been designed to foster social cohesion and community engagement."
They believe the building's layout will forge a "level playing field" for businesses both small and large.
The project’s CEO told CNN the building's size was dictated by demand and that the offices were all snapped up by diamond companies prior to construction.
The incredible office features nine rectangular towers which are interconnected via a central "spine".
It's kitted out with 4,500 diamond workshops which range in size from 300 to 75,000 sq ft.
Its interior attracts natural light to make jewels gleam and give a spacious feel to the £302 million development.
International and local buyers flock to the gigantic office block in swarms to take their business inside.
A committed custom house with a national diamond research institute, an international convention centre, international education facilities and five-star hotels is also on offer.
It's no surprise the building brimming with jewels will have state-of-the-art security measures - as well as over 4,000 CCTV cameras.
The SDB website states the campus is "highly secured" and has "checkpoints at all entry and exits."
It adds: "The facility is also equipped with a Digitally Integrated Fire Protection System as per Latest Standards."
The bourse attempts to redefine the diamond trade in India by turning its focus to Surat rather than Mumbai, where office spaces are scarce and cost megabucks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who unveiled the SDB, praised the project.
He said: “Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the abilities of Indian designs, designers, materials, and concepts."This building is a symbol of New India’s capabilities and resolutions.”
Modi hopes Surat will become a global hub, connecting with international trade centres and boosting India’s share in gems and jewellery exports.
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