Imagine two toilets for public use. Imagine two restrooms that are public. The other is located near a trailhead that is remote, with a vast open space.
Both buildings offer the same service, however if they were constructed as identical structures, it would be impossible to understand how different these locations work.
The best public restrooms start at the site. Who can use the facilities? What is the maximum number of people who can visit at a time? What are the services offered? How far can visitors expect to be able to walk? What architecture surrounds the building?
Image credit: romtec.com
The answers to these questions will affect nearly all subsequent decisions.
Begin by looking at how people move through the site.
The location of restrooms shouldn’t be thought of in isolation from other areas of the park. When a facility is a sport people can be in large groups during games and events. It is important that a bathroom with a playground be located at a suitable location for families, and blend in with the flow of pedestrians. In a downtown setting, sidewalk restrooms may have to work within a tighter footprint and complement nearby streetscape features.
The building itself is not the entire experience. The location of the building can be influenced by several factors, including its accessibility, the proximity of activities pathways, entrances, and paths.
Remote Sites create a Different Issue
The project should be moved away from the developed street and utilities infrastructure. It is possible to not connect a scenic overlook or trailhead to a conventional sewer system. Vault toilets can be an option that is suitable for areas where plumbing infrastructure isn’t feasible or impossible.
This changes the conversation about design. Instead of selecting a building first, design teams can evaluate site conditions and decide which bathroom system is appropriate for the site.
Capacity should reflect actual usage
A tranquil neighborhood park as well as regional sports facilities do not have the same traffic patterns. Peak demand matters. It’s not enough just to have a facility in good condition on a Tuesday afternoon.
A plan for actual use can help owners to think about bathroom capacity layout, layout, fixtures access to maintenance, and other operational requirements prior to construction begins.
Flexible prefabricated restroom buildings could be an excellent resource for organizations that are investigating the possibility of using them. This is because they can be built to suit the demands of the project, rather than forcing the site to be a model.
Architecture is still a part of the Conversation
The look of a restroom is crucial, however it shouldn’t be ignored since its function is more important. A public restroom is a part of the natural landscape. The forms of the roof, sidings, colors, fixtures, and masonry are utilized to connect it to the nearby pavilions, concessions buildings, natural surroundings or a community design theme.
Romtec’s unique approach permits project teams to use a variety of designs, materials, colors and exterior styles rather than having to stick with the same appearance.
Design for the Place It’s not just about the function.
Romtec collaborates with park managers, contractors, and landscape architects to design, build and install public restroom buildings. Its experience includes building documentation and code requirements, ADA considerations, engineering choice of components, as well as construction across the United States.
The important starting point, however, remains surprisingly simple. Do not start by asking what restrooms can be built on your site. Be aware of the surrounding, the people, and the activities that are already in place. Create the building that fits in with the existing structures.