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Ten public toilets with unexpected floor plans that break the bounds of the cubicle
This article highlights ten public toilets designed by various architects, each featuring unique and unconventional floor plans that deviate from the standard rectangular cubicle. The selected projects showcase innovative architectural approaches to public restrooms, demonstrating how these utilitarian spaces can be transformed into aesthetically pleasing and functionally distinct structures.
The first example is the "triangle toilet" in Tokyo's Shibuya district, part of the Tokyo Toilet project. Designed by Nao Tamura, its irregular, triangular form is influenced by the Japanese craft of Origata, fitting a challenging urban plot.
Next, the Wembley WC Pavilion by Gort Scott in London is distinguished by its shimmering golden aluminum exterior, which, when viewed from above, forms a star shape. The architects intended to evoke the civic pride associated with historical public toilet buildings.
Kubo Tsushima Architects designed the "inverted S toilet" in Nakanojo, Japan, for a contemporary art biennale. This project aimed to create a symbolic and inviting public facility, moving away from the typical perception of Japanese public toilets.
In Norway, Fortunen designed the "waterfall toilet" near the Skjervsfossen waterfall. This concrete structure features tall windows and glass panels in the floor, offering visitors views of the surrounding natural landscape from within the cubicles.
The "equilateral toilet" at Farstadsanden beach, part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes, is a triangular aluminum structure designed by Rever & Drage. Its distinctive shape helps it withstand strong coastal winds and was fabricated in a local shipyard before being transported to the site.
Miro Rivera Architects created the "snail trail toilet" in Austin, Texas, using pre-rusted steel plates to form a spiral. Located along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, it was the first new public toilet in the park in 30 years.
The "snake toilet," named Hut with the Arc Wall, in Japan, was designed by Yo Shimada of Tato Architects. Its continuous curving steel wall defines separate enclosures for male, female, and accessible toilets, with its form inspired by local soy sauce factory barrels.
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando contributed a "circular toilet" to the Tokyo Toilet project in Jingu-Dori Park. Ando aimed to transcend the typical public toilet function, envisioning it as a significant urban landmark with a circular floor plan, spanning roof, and an engawa (Japanese porch).
Rohan Chavan's "community toilet," The Light Box – Restroom for Women, in Thane, India, is built around an old tree. It features toilets flanking a hot pink seating area, designed as a safe and social space for women.
Finally, the "spiral toilet" by Miguel García Martín's firm RE+D in Jalisco, Mexico, is embedded into a hillside at Rancho El Descanso. A spiral path, enclosed by rough masonry, leads to the male and female facilities at the building's core.
These projects collectively demonstrate a departure from conventional public toilet design, emphasizing innovative forms, material use, and integration with their environments, often aiming to create spaces that are both functional and architecturally significant.
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