Imagine two toilets for public use. Imagine two restrooms in public. The other is at a remote trailhead, surrounded by vast open space.
Both provide the identical essential service. But when you design them as identical designs, they would not operate in the identical way.
The selection of the location is vital to constructing good public restrooms. Who will be using the facilities? How many people are able to arrive at the same time? What is the best way to get utilities? What distance will visitors be able to be able to walk? What is the architecture surrounding the building?
Image credit: romtec.com
Answering these questions can influence the majority of decisions that follow.
It is possible to start by studying how users navigate the site
Toilets’ location shouldn’t be taken in isolation from the other features and designs of parks. Visitors may arrive in large numbers to an sports venue to see sporting events or games. It is important that the bathroom for the playground is located in a convenient location for families, and blend in with the circulation of pedestrians. In a downtown setting, sidewalk restrooms may have to work within a tighter footprint and complement nearby streetscape features.
The structure itself isn’t the complete experience. Paths, entrances, surrounding activities and accessibility all affect how the location of the building works in the real world.
Remote sites create a different problem
The project should now be moved away from developed streets and utility infrastructure. It might be difficult to connect a scenic view or trailhead, campground, or even an existing sewer system. Vault toilets are an option which can be utilized in places where conventional plumbing infrastructure is difficult, or impossible.
That changes the design conversation. Instead of choosing a structure in the beginning, team members can evaluate site conditions and decide which bathroom system is appropriate for the site.
Capacity should reflect actual usage
A peaceful neighborhood park and a regional sports facility do not have the same traffic patterns. Demand at peak times is important. It is not enough to have your facility in good order on the afternoon of a Tuesday.
Owners are able to plan their project around the use of the bathroom, taking into consideration the size, layout and fixtures, and access for maintenance.
Flexible prefabricated restroom buildings can be a great resource for organizations that are investigating these types of facilities. They are able to be designed to suit the requirements of the project instead of forcing the space into a prefabricated model.
Even though Architecture is an integral component of the conversation
Appearance is not ignored just because it’s a function. The restroom is an integral aspect of the public realm. The form of the roof and colors, sidings, fixtures and masonry can be utilized to connect it to the nearby pavilions, concessions and natural surroundings, or as a design theme for the community.
Romtec’s unique approach enables team members to choose from a variety of material and colors, shapes, exterior treatments and shapes, rather than being limited to a standard appearance.
Design for Place, Not just for the Function
Romtec works with park managers as well as landscape architects and contractors to plan, construct, and supply restroom buildings as well as other public structures. Its expertise includes building documentation, code requirements, ADA considerations, engineering, component selection, and construction across the United States.
The key starting point however, remains surprisingly simple. Make a decision about the kind of bathroom you would like to construct. First, you must understand what’s already happening on the site that includes activities, people and infrastructure. Then design the building that is appropriate for the area.
