The Original Baron Bliss Institute in Belize City
The rounded part of the building was designed to look like the prow of a ship, the bow. The round shape of the upper floor is to prevent hurricane winds from destroying the building since it is in an open area that could easily make it a "target "of hurricane winds. Furthermore, an aerodynamic circular building works with nature not against it; potential energy from sustained winds is dispersed throughtout the structure instead of building up in a single area. Basically, winds can't build up enough pressure on any side to cause structural failure. The atrium space allows the building to be cooler than it would normally be given it is naturally ventilated for the most part. The rounded section was the Library.
The upkeep of the Bliss Center is funded from the interest generated from the 1 million British pounds (about 1.8 million Bze ) that Baron Bliss bequeathed to Belize and was placed in a trust account with specific instructions that only the interest be used which has provided funding also for the Bliss Nursing School, Belize City Water Supply System, The Corozal Town Hall and even the purchase of land to build Belmopan, and the Boom Road.
I remember all the shows we use to have at the bliss, groups like Bob Reneau, Ms. Valdez, Dusty Fairweather, Palloti, St. John's, Dance Recitals, with the Solie Arguelles dance studio, ballet, Junction Village, SCA, Extra Mural Drama Group, Male Choral, Square Peg Players, Choral Society, Festival of Arts, BTC, St. Hilda' s, Shirley Ward, LeoMar, etc. Great performances and fun for the community. C. Phillip Waight
Photograph courtesy Capital Newspost
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