Imagine two restrooms for public use. Imagine two restrooms for public use. The other is in a remote trailhead with a vast open space.
They provide the same basic service. However, if you design them as identical structures, they would not perform in the same way.
Image credit: romtec.com
The best public restrooms start at the site. Who will use the facilities? How many guests are permitted to arrive simultaneously? What amenities are there? How far can visitors expect to take a walk? What kind of architecture is surrounding the structure?
How you answer those questions will influence nearly every decision that follows.
Start With How People Move through the Site
Restroom placement shouldn’t be considered as a separate thing from the rest of the park. When a facility is a sport huge crowds can crowd around games and events. It is important that a bathroom serving a playground is situated in a location that is convenient that is accessible to families, as well as be able to fit into the pedestrian circulation. In a city-centric setting there may be a need to squeeze sidewalk restrooms into smaller spaces while integrating nearby streetscape elements.
The structure itself isn’t the only thing you experience. Location is affected by surrounding area, accessibility, pathways, and other activities.
Remote sites cause a distinct problem
Move the project further away from existing roads and infrastructure. It may be impossible to connect a scenic overlook, campground or trailhead with an existing sewer system. 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 deciding on a specific building team, the design team must evaluate the site conditions to determine what restroom system will work best in the particular location.
Capacity should reflect the real-world usage
The patterns of visitors to the quiet neighborhood park as well as regional sports facilities are different. It is important to consider peak demand. Peak demand is vital.
Planning around actual use helps owners plan for restroom dimensions, layout, fixtures, access to maintenance, and other operational needs prior to when construction starts.
The flexibility of park restrooms that are prefabricated can be very beneficial to businesses that are interested in the building. Instead of requiring the location to conform to a specific design, the structure can be customized to meet what is required for the particular project.
The Architecture Conversation is Still Relevant to Us
The look of a restroom is important, but it isn’t to be neglected because the purpose is more crucial. The bathroom is a crucial component of the public landscape. Roof forms, siding, colors fixtures, masonry as well as other architectural features could help relate it to adjacent pavilions or concession structures as well as the natural surroundings, the design concept, or community.
Romtec’s customized approach permits teams to use various colors, materials and shapes as well exterior treatments, rather than being restricted to a standard appearance.
Design for the Place not just the purpose
Romtec works with park managers as well as landscape architects and contractors to plan, supply, and install restroom buildings as well as other public structures. Its expertise extends to the documentation of buildings, code-related considerations, ADA issues, engineering design, selecting of components and construction in the United States.
It’s surprising how simple the starting point remains. Do not start by asking yourself what kind of restrooms can be built on your property. Understand the environment, people, and the activities that are already in place. Develop the building which is suitable for this area.