Imagine two public restrooms. One is located near a bustling public playground and sports area. The other is in a remote trailhead and is surrounded by a vast open area.
Both provide the identical essential service. However, if you design them with identical structures, they will not function in the exact same manner.
Image credit: romtec.com
Good public restroom buildings begin with the location. Who is going to use it? How many guests can be in the facility in one go? What amenities are there? How far can visitors walk? What architectural style surrounds the structure?
How you answer those questions will influence any decision that is made.
It is possible to start by observing how users navigate around the site
Bathrooms should not be viewed separately from the rest of the park. People can arrive in large numbers to an sports venue to see the games or other events. A playground restroom needs to be easily accessible for families and fit comfortably into pedestrian circulation. In urban environments the space of sidewalk restrooms may be smaller, and they could be required to blend with other features of the streetscape.
The building is just one piece of the experience. Paths, entrances, surrounding activities, and accessibility all influence the way that a location is used in the real world.
Remote Sites create a Different Issue
The project must be relocated away from the developed street and utilities infrastructure. It is possible to not connect a scenic view, campground or trailhead with an existing sewer system. Vault toilets are a viable option that can be used in locations where the traditional plumbing infrastructure is difficult or impossible.
The design process is something different. Instead of choosing a building project team, they should consider the site conditions to determine what restroom system best suits the location.
Capacity should reflect the actual usage
A quiet park in the neighborhood and regional sports facilities aren’t the same for visitor patterns. Demand at peak times is important. It’s not enough just to have a facility in good order on a Tuesday afternoon.
A plan for actual use can help owners plan for restroom dimensions, layout, fixtures, access to maintenance and other operational demands prior to construction starts.
For organizations researching prefabricated park restroom buildings, flexibility can be particularly valuable because the building can be configured around the project’s requirements instead of forcing the site to accommodate a predetermined model.
The Architecture Conversation Continually Belongs to Us
Appearance is not ignored just because it’s a function. A public bathroom is a part of the landscape. Forms of roofs, sidings, colors, masonry, fixtures as well as other architectural features can help it relate to adjacent pavilions, concession structures and natural surroundings or an established theme of design for community.
Romtec’s customized approach permits teams to use various colors, materials and shapes, as well exterior design, rather than being limited to a traditional appearance.
Designing for the place, not just the Purpose
Romtec collaborates with park owners and contractors in order to provide and construct restrooms as well as other public buildings. Its experience includes building documents and code requirements, ADA considerations, engineering components, selection of the right component, and construction throughout the United States.
The key starting point however, is surprisingly straightforward. Don’t start by asking what restroom facilities you could put on the spot. Start by analyzing the activities, people infrastructure, and the environment that is already there. Create the building that is appropriate for the area.