Ministry of External Relations, Brasilia

This vast, open, curvacious space with the alluring staircase is the main entrance hall of Brazil's Ministry for External Relations, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and built in 1962. Monocle magazine, for which I have a growing respect, says Brazil and its foreign policy are sexier than ever, with this tease for the May 2010 issue:

A fast-expanding embassy network and a clever use of its culture mean Brazil is making friends all around the world. Is this just an attempt to secure a seat on the UN Security Council or an emerging nation trying to change the world order?

That certainly is a sexy set of stairs!

(Photo credit: weyerdk).