28 September 2012Last updated at 16:49

In pictures: Brasilia's bold buildings

Brasilia, the capital of Brasil, was initially built between 1957 and 1961. It was the culmination of a long-held dream to move the seat of government closer to the centre of the country and away from the heavily populated coast. Many of its public buildings are now regarded as architectural icons. (All images by Amineh Yassin, words by Stephen Dowling)

The city's design was the brainchild of urban planner Lucio Costa, who used the visionary architect Oscar Niemeyer to design many of the city's public buildings. One of the most prominent is the National Congress, which houses both houses of the country's parliament.

The building's idiosyncratic design includes two half spheres - where the country's two houses of parliament sit - separated by office blocks. The building has been designated a historical heritage site for the Brazilian people.

The Cathedral of Brasilia was completed in 1971. Another design by Oscar Niemeyer, it comprises16 concrete columns, weighing 90 tons each. The cathedral recently underwent renovation to improve its acoustics and ventilation, which had prevented its regular use.

Our Lady of Fatima Church is another place of worship designed by Niemeyer. Its flowing lines are said to based on the hats of the Sisters of Charity. It is known informally as the 'Little Church' as it only holds 60 worshippers.

Brasilia's Ministry of External Relations is better known as the Itamaraty, named after the palace in which it is housed. It sits in the Monumental Axis, the grand avenue which houses many of the city's public buildings. The Niemeyer-designed building was opened in 1970.

The Palacio do Planalto is the official office of Brazil's president. Inaugurated in 1960, it houses the president and various chiefs of staff.

The presidential office covers 390,000 sq ft and has vast mezzanines and waiting rooms, filled with modernist furniture and fittings from the 1960s. Like all of Niemeyer's major works in the city, the presidential palace has been designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

It is not just the buildings which have proved so ahead of their time. The city includes many 'scissor' roundabouts - which look like the handles of scissors when viewed from above - along its thoroughfares.

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In pictures: Brasilia's bold buildings

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