Imagine two public restrooms. One is situated next to a bustling community playground and sports complex. The other serves a remote trailhead that is surrounded by open terrain.
The two buildings provide the same services but if they were constructed as identical structures it would be difficult to discern how these locations work.
Good public restroom buildings begin with the site. Who will use the facility? How many people may arrive at once? What utilities are available? How far will visitors have to walk? What architecture surrounds the building?
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Answering those questions can shape the majority of decisions that follow.
You can start with observing how people navigate around the site
Placement of toilets shouldn’t be viewed in isolation from the rest and design of parks. Visitors can show up in large numbers at an athletic facility to view the games or other events. A playground restroom needs to be ideally located for families while integrating safely in the flow of pedestrians. In a city-centric setting the sidewalk restrooms might need to work within a tighter footprint and complement nearby streetscape features.
The structure is only one component of the experience. Access points, routes, activities and accessibility all affect the way that a location is used as intended.
Remote Sites create a Different Problem
The project should be moved further from existing streets and infrastructure. A scenic viewpoint, campsite, trailhead, or other remote recreational area may not have a practical connection to sewer services that are conventional. Vault toilets are an option which can be utilized in areas where plumbing infrastructure is either difficult or impossible.
This changes the conversation about design. Instead of selecting a building team, the design team must evaluate the conditions of the site to determine which bathroom system is the best one for the area.
Capacity must reflect real-world use
A peaceful neighborhood park and local sports facilities don’t experience the same visitor patterns. Demand at peak times is important. A facility that appears to be adequate for a typical Tuesday afternoon can face different conditions at a festival, tournament or community event.
Owners are able to plan their project around the use of the bathroom, based on the size, layout and fixtures, as well as maintenance access.
The versatility of the prefabricated park toilets can be a huge benefit to the organizations who are looking at the structures. Instead of forcing the building to follow a particular design, the facility can be customized to meet the requirements for the project.
The Architecture Conversation Is Still Participates to Us
The appearance of the restroom is important, but it isn’t to be neglected because the purpose is more important. A public bathroom is a part of the natural landscape. Roof shapes, siding colours, masonry, fixtures and other architectural features can help it relate to nearby pavilions, concession buildings, natural surroundings, or an established community design theme.
Romtec’s unique approach to project management allows teams to use a variety of designs, materials, colors and exterior finishes instead of having to adhere to the same appearance.
Design to be a Place, Not Just the Purpose
Romtec partners with park owners and contractors to supply and install bathrooms and other public facilities. Its expertise includes building documentation as well as code requirements, ADA considerations, engineering components, selection of the right component, and construction throughout the United States.
The most important point of departure, however, remains surprisingly simple. Don’t begin by asking what restroom facilities you could put on the site. Begin by studying what is already taking place on the location, including people, activities and infrastructure. Plan the structure that will fit in.