BLOOM

Bloom's waterfront location is at the entry to Chaguaramas National Park, just outside Port of Spain. The site is sandwiched between the forested Northern Mountains and Paria Bay where is has views of Venezuela. The owners envisioned a sociable bar and restaurant offering fine local cuisine and music with outdoor gathering spaces to accommodate special events, especially during Trinidad's carnival months. We imagined a place that prioritized the stunning views and at the same time maximized opportunities for large open-air gatherings. Protection from the sun and Trinidad's interminable rainy season was restaurant five meters above grade to create a sheltered terrace below. The restaurant and bar are accessed by a ramp enclosed by a perforated wall that mirrors the dappled light of the forested Northern Mountains. Upon arriving at the bar and restaurant, an all glass wall opens to a panoramic view of the bay. Above, a sheltered roof terrace and bar with the same view hosts music events year around.