While being one of the most least discussed topics in architecture and design, but arguably one of the most important ones, public restrooms are HARD to design, because they must be “user-friendly”. Yet, what is user-friendliness for a public restroom? Let’s not discuss the design of the toilets themselves – however the other infrastructure can be manipulated to the user’s content.
The overall goal that must be placed in mind when planning a public restroom is allowing the user to wash their hands, dry them, and leave, without receiving any more germs. How can this be accomplished? Well it’s very easy actually.
After taking care of business, the user needs to clean their hands. It is prefferable that the sinks be either auto-start or at least controlled by turning a handle so that the user can clean their hands without touching something dirty afterwards again. Drying the user’s hands is a little more difficult, because the standard pull-to-release-towel method exposes the user’s hands to germs. The most effective approach is automatic dispensors with motion sensing, or at least paper towels placed near the sinks for grabbing.
One of the most difficult parts to coordinate though, is the exiting. The user must not touch the door with their hands to open it – either they must use a paper towel, or the door must open outwards. The former calls for an extra trash can placed near the exit. This is not always possible, depending on the dimensions of the entryway. The latter however basically means to not have to pull the handle to exit, so either a motion-sensing automatic door would work or one where you pull the handle on your way in to enter, but on your way out, you just push the door with your body.
For a successful sanitary public bathroom, the designer and coordinator must plan out the architecture by imagining themselves as the user. What can they do after they wash their hands to not get germs again? How can they exit without exposing themselves to who knows what dirt? That is the key to success.
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Tags: planning & design, public restrooms
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