Picture two public restrooms. Imagine two restrooms for public use. The other is located in a remote trailhead and is surrounded by a vast open area.
The two buildings provide the same services but in the event that they were designed as identical buildings it would be difficult to discern how these places function.
Good public restroom buildings begin with the site. Who will use the facility? How many people may arrive at once? What utilities are available? How far will visitors have to walk? What architecture surrounds the building?
Image credit: romtec.com
The answers to these questions will affect most of the choices that follow.
Start with the way people move through the Site
Toilets’ location shouldn’t be thought of as an independent thing from the rest and style of the park. At a sports venue people can be in large numbers during activities and games. The location of a restroom close to a playground should be suitable for families, in addition to being secure and accessible for pedestrians. In a downtown area bathrooms on sidewalks can need to operate within a restricted footprint and be able to complement other streetscape elements.
The structure itself isn’t the complete experience. Location is affected by surrounding area and accessibility, as well as pathways and activities.
Remote sites pose a unique problem
The project should be moved further from the existing infrastructure and streets. It could be difficult to connect a scenic view or trailhead to the standard sewer system. Vault toilets are a viable option which can be utilized in locations where the traditional plumbing infrastructure isn’t feasible or impossible.
It alters the conversation about design. Instead of selecting a building project team, they should consider the existing conditions on the site to determine what restroom system is the best one for the area.
Capacity must reflect real-world use
A park in a peaceful neighborhood or a sports facility locally don’t have the exact kinds of people who visit. Peak demand matters. A facility that feels adequate in a typical Tuesday afternoon might face different conditions at a festival, event, or other community event.
A plan for actual use can help owners to think about bathroom dimensions, layout, fixtures, access to maintenance and other operational requirements before construction starts.
Flexible prefabricated restrooms can be an invaluable resource for organizations that are investigating the possibility of using them. They can be constructed to meet the demands of the project rather than putting the location into a model.
The Architecture Conversation is Still Relevant to Us
Functionality doesn’t mean appearance has to be overlooked. The bathroom is an essential aspect of the public realm. Forms of roof, siding, colors fixtures, masonry, and other features of architecture can aid in establishing a connection with adjacent concession buildings or pavilions as well as the natural surroundings, the design concept, or even a neighborhood.
Romtec’s custom approach allows project teams to incorporate different material, colors, shapes and exterior finishes rather than being limited to a single standardized appearance.
Design for Place and Not Only for Function
Romtec collaborates with park owners as well as landscape architects and contractors to plan, supply, and install restroom buildings and other public structures. Its experience includes building documents codes, building documentation, ADA considerations, engineering choice of components, as well as construction throughout the United States.
It’s surprising how simple the starting point remains. Do not begin by asking about the restroom building you can put on the location. Start by understanding what is currently happening on the property which includes people, activities and infrastructure. Make the design which is suitable for this area.