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This article was first published 13 years ago

World's most amazing circular buildings

Last updated on: July 20, 2011 12:10 IST

Image: Capitol Records Building.
The circular shape of these magnificent buildings have made them architectural wonders. Take a look at these mind blowing circular structures

1. Capitol Records Building, Los Angeles

Also known as the Capitol Records Tower, it is located in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

A thirteen storey tower designed by Welton Becket, this landmark building is home to the recording studios and echo chambers of Capitol Studios.

It is on the list of registered historic places in Los Angeles.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: Lipstick Building.
2. Lipstick Building, New York City

The Lipstick Building located in Manhattan, New York City was completed in 1986.

The building with a height of 453 feet (138 meters), was designed by John Burgee Architects with Philip Johnson.

The building receives its name from its shape and color, which resemble a tube of lipstick.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: The Gherkin.
3. 30 St. Mary Axe (The Gherkin), London

30 St Mary Axe, the Swiss Re Building popularly known as Gherkin is in London's main financial district.

Completed in December 2003, it has 40 floors. The tower is 180 metres (591 ft) tall.

The building was designed by Norman Foster and Arup engineers.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: Marina city.
4. Marina City, Chicago

The residential-cum-commercial building complex is a landmark in Chicago.

The complex consists of two corncob-shaped 65-storey, 587-feet (179 metres) tall residential towers, a saddle-shaped auditorium building, and a hotel building.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: The Theme Building.
5. The Theme Building, Los Angeles International Airport

The Theme Building is an impressive structure at the Los Angeles International Airport. The building resembles a flying saucer that has landed on its four legs.

It was designed by a team of architects and engineers headed by William Pereira and Charles Luckman.

Earlier, tourists and passengers were allowed to take the elevator up to the Observation Level of the 'Theme Building'. It was closed after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: Round Tower.
6. Rundetarn (Round Tower), Copenhagen

A 17th-century tower located in central Copenhagen, Denmark, it was built as an astronomical observatory.

It is most noted for its 7.5-turn helical corridor leading to the top, and for the expansive views it affords over Copenhagen.

Today, the Round Tower serves as an observation tower for great views of Copenhagen and a public astronomical observatory.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: Colosseum.
7. Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy.

It is largest amphitheatre built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.

With a capacity to accommodate 50,000 people, the Colosseum remained an an attractive entertainment hub for years.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: Royal Albert Hall.
8. Royal Albert Hall, London

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall situated in the South Kensington area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London.

Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists have performed on this stage. Every year, it hosts more than 350 performances.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: Torre Agbar.
9. Torre Agbar, Barcelona

The Torre Agbar is a 38-storey tower designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.

The tower has an area of 50,693 square metres. Opened in June 2005, it was built at a cost of 130 million euros.

The building is owned by the multinational group Agbar which has its corporate headquarters in the building.

World's most amazing circular buildings

Image: Newgrange Donore.
10. Newgrange Donore, Ireland

Newgrange is a prehistoric monument located in County Meath, on the eastern side of Ireland.

Built during the Neolithic period, Newgrange is today a popular tourist attraction.