Two public restrooms. Picture two public restrooms. One is a trailhead located in a rural region surrounded by wide open spaces.
Both provide the exact service, however, designing the two buildings as identical does not consider the way in which different places perform.
Image credit: romtec.com
Public restrooms that are good for the public begin with the site. Who will utilize the facility? How many guests can be in the facility simultaneously? What is the service offered? How far can visitors walk? What architectural style surrounds the building?
How you answer those questions will influence nearly every decision that follows.
Begin with how people move Through the Site
The location of restrooms should not be considered in isolation from the rest of a park. In a sporting complex massive crowds could gather around events and games. It is crucial that a bathroom serving the playground is located in an accessible location for families and also blend in with the flow of pedestrians. In a city-centric setting restrooms on sidewalks could need to work within a tighter footprint, and also complement the streetscape elements.
The structure is just one aspect of the experience. Paths, entrances, surrounding activities and accessibility all affect the way that a location is used as intended.
Remote sites create a different Problem
Removing the project from existing streets and infrastructure. The conventional sewer service may not be accessible at a scenic overlook or in a remote recreation area, trailheads, campgrounds, or in other places. Vault toilets can be an option that is suitable for locations where the traditional plumbing infrastructure is difficult or impossible.
The design discussion is completely different. Project teams don’t have to pick a location prior to looking at the site and deciding which bathroom system works best.
Capacity should reflect the actual use
The patterns of visitors to parks that are quiet and regional sports facilities are different. Peak demand is critical. A facility that is deemed adequate on a normal Tuesday afternoon might face different conditions on a Saturday festival, event, or other community event.
Planning around actual use helps owners consider bathroom dimensions, layout, fixtures, access to maintenance and other operational demands prior to construction starts.
For organizations researching prefabricated park restroom buildings, flexibility can be particularly valuable because the building can be configured around the project’s requirements instead of forcing the site to accommodate a predetermined model.
Even though Architecture is still an element of the conversation
An appearance isn’t ignored simply because it’s a function. Public restrooms are part of the natural landscape. Roof forms, siding, the colors of masonry, fixtures and other architectural elements may help in connecting it to adjacent pavilions, concession structures as well as natural surroundings. an established theme of design for community.
Romtec’s customized approach allows for project teams to incorporate different types of materials and colors, forms as well as exterior treatment and shapes, rather than being restricted to a single appearance.
Designing for the Place, not Just the Theming
Romtec collaborates with park owners contractors, owners and landscape architects to create, design, and install public restrooms. Its expertise includes building documentation, code requirements, ADA considerations, engineering design, selecting components, and construction throughout the United States.
However, the crucial beginning point is actually quite simple. Don’t begin by asking what restrooms can be built on your property. Start by understanding what is already taking place on the location which includes people, activities and infrastructure. Create the building which is a part of it.