Imagine two public restrooms. There are two public restrooms. Another is at a remote trailhead, surrounded by vast open space.
Both buildings offer the same service but when they were built as identical buildings it would be hard to understand how different these locations function.
Image credit: romtec.com
Good public restroom buildings begin with the site. Who will be using it? How many people can arrive simultaneously? What are the services offered? How far should visitors walk? What architecture surrounds the building?
These answers will influence almost all choices that follow.
Begin by watching how people move through the site
Toilets’ placement shouldn’t be viewed in isolation from the rest and design of parks. In a sports facility people can be in large groups around games and other events. A playground restroom needs to be conveniently located for families while integrating safely in the flow of pedestrians. In a downtown environment there may be a need to fit sidewalk restrooms into a smaller footprint while complementing other streetscape elements.
The structure is only one aspect of the total experience. Location is affected by surrounding area, accessibility, pathways, and the activities.
Remote Sites create a Different Issue
Now move the project away from established roads and utility infrastructure. A scenic overlook, campsite, trailhead, or remote recreation area may not be connected to the sewer system that is commonly used. In appropriate applications, vault toilets provide an alternative that allows restroom facilities to serve locations where traditional plumbing infrastructure may be difficult or impractical.
That changes the design conversation. Instead of selecting a building initially, teams of project managers are able to evaluate the site’s conditions and then determine which type of restroom makes sense for the location.
Capacity should reflect actual use
The visitor patterns of parks that are quiet and regional sports facilities differ. Peak demand is critical. A facility that is deemed adequate for a typical Tuesday afternoon may face different conditions on a weekend tournament, festival, or any other type of community event.
The planning around the actual usage helps owners think about restroom dimensions layout, layout, fixtures access for maintenance, and other operational requirements before construction begins.
For those who are looking into constructed park restrooms the flexibility is valuable because the building can be constructed to fit the specifications of the project, instead of forcing the site to accommodate an established model.
Architecture remains a part of the Conversation
The design of a bathroom is important, but it isn’t to be neglected because its purpose is much more important. The restroom is an integral part of the public landscape. Forms of roof, siding, colors fixtures, masonry, and other features of architecture can help relate it to adjacent concession buildings or pavilions as well as the natural surroundings, an established design theme or community.
Romtec’s custom approach permits project teams to incorporate different colors and materials, shapes external treatments and forms, as opposed to being limited to one standardized appearance.
Design for Place and Not Just for Design for Place.
Romtec works with park owners contractors, park owners, and landscape architects to create, design and construct public restrooms. Its expertise covers the documentation of buildings and codes, ADA considerations as well as the engineering process, selecting components and construction throughout the United States.
It’s surprising how easy the starting point remains. Do not begin by asking about the restroom building you can build on the site. Begin by studying what is already taking place on the location that includes activities, people and infrastructure. Design the building that fits within.