Imagine two toilets in public. One is near a busy public playground and sports area. The other is near a trailhead that is remote, and is surrounded by a vast open area.
The two buildings provide the same service but should they be built as identical buildings it would be hard to discern how these places function.
The location is the first step in the construction of a decent public bathroom. Who is going to use it? What is the maximum number of people who can visit at once? What amenities are there? What distance do visitors have to be able to walk? What architectural style is surrounded by the structure?
Image credit: romtec.com
These answers will impact nearly all of the decisions that follow.
It is possible to start by studying how users navigate the site
The position of restrooms must not be thought of as an independent thing from the rest of a park. When a facility is a sport, visitors may arrive in large numbers during games and other events. It is essential that a bathroom serving an area for play be situated in an accessible location for families, and be able to fit into the traffic flow. 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 only thing you experience. Location is affected by surrounding area and accessibility, as well as pathways and other activities.
Remote sites can cause a new problem
The project should now be moved away from streets that are paved and utilities infrastructure. A scenic viewpoint, campground, trailhead, or remote recreation area may not be connected to sewer services that are conventional. If used properly, vault toilets can provide an alternative to conventional plumbing infrastructure in areas that are difficult or inaccessible.
This shifts the way we talk about design. Instead of deciding on a building first, project teams examine the existing conditions on the site and choose which toilet system is appropriate for the site.
Capacity should reflect actual use
The patterns of visitors to an unassuming neighborhood park and regional sports facilities are different. Peak demand is critical. It is not enough to be in good shape on an afternoon on a Tuesday.
Owners can plan their construction around the need for the bathroom, based on the capacity, layout, and fixtures, and access for maintenance.
The versatility of park restrooms that are prefabricated can be extremely beneficial to companies considering the facilities. Instead of requiring the site to be a certain model, the construction can be customized around the specifications of the project.
Although Architecture is an element of the conversation
The appearance of a restroom is essential, however it shouldn’t be overlooked because its purpose is much far more important. The restroom is an important part of the public landscape. Roof forms, siding, colors, masonry, fixtures and other architectural elements can assist in connecting it with adjacent concession buildings or pavilions or the natural surroundings the design concept, or a community.
Romtec’s bespoke approach lets teams to use different colors, materials and shapes as well as exterior styling, instead of being limited to the standard appearance.
Designing for the Place, not Just the Theming
Romtec collaborates with park operators contractors, park owners, as well as landscape architects to create, design, and install public restroom buildings. Its expertise includes building documentation, code requirements, ADA considerations, engineering choice of components, as well as construction throughout the United States.
The most important point of departure, but it’s surprisingly simple. Don’t start by asking what restrooms you could build on the site. Be aware of the surrounding, the people, and the activities that are already in place. Develop the building that is appropriate for the location.