AssetID: 52978161
Headline: RAW VIDEO: World's Biggest Office Building Unveiled In India Knocks The Iconic Pentagon Building Off The Top Spot For Largest Workplace
Caption: The grand unveiling of the largest-ever office building has dethroned the iconic Pentagon structure as the world's largest workplace, a title it had held for a staggering 80 years. Situated in Surat, in northwestern India, the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), a diamond trading centre, boasts a vast floor area of 7.1 million square feet, surpassing the 6.7 million square feet of the United States Department of Defense headquarters. The remarkable bourse, with a reported construction cost of 32 billion rupees ($388 million), consists of nine towers, each standing 15 floors tall. These towers are interconnected along a central spine and serviced by an impressive fleet of 131 lifts. Not only does this opulent edifice claim the title of the world's largest, but it is also set to become home to thousands of diamonds, accommodating 4,500 diamond merchant offices, ranging in size from 300 to 75,000 square feet. The expansive structure is a necessity to accommodate the thriving diamond trade in Gujarat state, where over 90 per cent of the world's diamonds are said to be cut in Surat. The SDB is being touted as a 'one-stop destination' for over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders, according to CNN reports. The development offers a range of amenities, including conference halls, multi-purpose halls, restaurants, banks, and retail shops, all of which are complemented by stringent security measures. Additionally, the complex houses a dedicated custom house with a national diamond research institute, an international convention centre, and international education facilities. As if that weren't enough, the complex also boasts five-star hotels, enabling it to host traders from around the world on its premises. Following four years of construction work, partly hampered by delays related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the SDB will officially open its doors to occupants on November 21, 2023. The inauguration ceremony is expected to be graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was born in the state and formerly served as its chief minister. The architectural design of the building was undertaken by the Indian firm Morphogenesis, following an international competition. Explaining their design, they stated, "The central spine serves as an interconnection between the towers on every level. The design enriches the spatial and transitional experiences of users throughout the building without overly accentuating the vastness of the structure." "The central axis that links all the offices is conceived as an interactive hub, featuring breakout spaces, verdant atriums, and an array of visual encounters. These spaces are crafted to foster social cohesion and community engagement." Situated approximately 150 miles from Mumbai, the building's comprehensive facilities will eliminate the need for daily travel between the hub and Surat for traders.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,world's biggest office building
PersonInImage: