Pal Cielo | 2006

Pal’cielo was a bar and restaurant that transformed from a modest street eatery (a "chinchorro" in Puerto Rican slang) into a popular hangout for young professionals. It earned the nickname "glorificado" (glorified) due to this transformation. Originally a humble wooden structure with a classic corrugated zinc roof, it found new life as Pal Cielo (To Heaven). The biggest challenge in redesigning the space was meeting the client’s vision for a décor that would blend religious themes and symbols from around the world, all under one roof. Why was this a challenge? The venue was located directly across from one of Santurce’s most prominent Catholic churches, and as the client humorously put it, “we certainly don’t want to offend our neighbors!”
To overcome this, the design embraced a kitschy approach, featuring iconic religious symbols and visual elements alongside naïve art. Second-hand furniture was repurposed, and a playful color palette was chosen, all infused with a healthy dose of humor. Eclectic décor items were creatively altered and painted to suit the space: 60’s lamp shades, vintage plastic tablecloths, ornate cast-iron chairs, and a bold royal blue sofa from the 70s all came together to create a unique and funky atmosphere. The religious figurines found their place, surrounded by quirky altars that fit perfectly within the fun environment, without offending anyone. In fact, the trendy spot gained approval from the head priest of the Santa Teresita Church. Challenge accomplished! The bar restaurant was trending for about 6 years before it was sold.