Imagine two restrooms for public use. One is near a busy community playground and sports facility. Another is a remote trailhead, surrounded by open space.
They each provide the same essential service. But, if you design them to be identical structures, they could not perform in the same way.
Good public restroom facilities begin at the site. Who will use it? How many guests can be in the facility at the same time? What facilities are offered? How far do visitors need to walk? What architectural style is surrounded by the building?
Image credit: romtec.com
The answers to these questions will influence the majority of decisions that are made.
Begin with how people move through the Site
Toilets’ location shouldn’t be considered in isolation from the other features and designs of a park. In a sporting complex massive crowds could crowd around games and events. The location of restrooms near a playground must be convenient for families, in addition to being secure and accessible for pedestrians. In a downtown setting, sidewalk restrooms may have to work within a tighter footprint and complement nearby streetscape features.
The structure is just one element of the experience. The location is influenced by the surrounding area accessibility, walkways, and activities.
Remote sites can cause a new problem
The project must be relocated away from the road and utility infrastructure. It is possible to not connect a scenic overlook or trailhead, campground, or even an existing sewer system. Vault toilets are an option that can be used in locations where the traditional plumbing infrastructure is difficult or impossible.
This alters the discussion about design. Instead of deciding on a building initially, teams of project managers can evaluate site conditions and determine which restroom system is appropriate for the site.
Capacity should reflect the actual use
A tranquil neighborhood park as well as regional sports facilities do not have the same traffic patterns. Peak demand matters. A facility that appears to be adequate in a typical Tuesday afternoon might face different conditions on a weekend tournament, festival, or community event.
Owners can design their building around the use of the bathroom, taking into account the capacity, layout, and fixtures, as well as accessibility for maintenance.
Flexible prefabricated restroom buildings can be an invaluable resource for companies looking into them. This is due to the fact that they can be designed to meet the demands of the project instead of forcing the place into a prefabricated model.
Architecture remains a part of the conversation
Functionality doesn’t mean appearance has to be overlooked. A public restroom is part of the landscape. The forms of the roof, sidings, colors, masonry and fixtures can be utilized to connect it to the adjacent pavilions, concessions and natural surroundings, or a community design theme.
Romtec’s unique approach to project management allows teams to blend different designs, materials, colors and exterior finishes rather than being limited to the same appearance.
Design to be a Place not just the purpose
Romtec works with park owners, landscape architects, and contractors to design, supply, and install restrooms and other public structures. Its expertise covers building documentation, code considerations, ADA issues, engineering selection of the right components and construction in the United States.
The key starting point but it’s surprisingly simple. Don’t begin by asking what restrooms you could build on the property. Understand the environment, people, and activities that are already in place. Create the building that is appropriate for the location.