Imagine two restrooms for public use. One is located near a bustling public playground and sports area. The other is located in a remote trailhead and is surrounded by a vast open area.

The two buildings provide the same service but when they were designed as identical buildings, it would be impossible to know how these sites function.

Image credit: romtec.com

The best public restrooms start with the location. Who will be using the facility? What is the maximum number of people who can visit at a time? What amenities are there? How far do visitors need to stroll? What architecture surrounds the structure?

These questions can affect the majority of decisions that follow.

Begin by determining how users move Through the Site

Restroom placement shouldn’t be considered as a separate thing from the rest of the park. In a sports complex, large crowds may gather around events and games. The location of a bathroom near a playground must be suitable for families, while also being safe and accessible for pedestrians. In a city setting the sidewalk restrooms might need to be confined to a smaller footprint, and also complement the streetscape elements.

The structure is only one component of the experience. Access points, routes, activities and accessibility all impact the way in which the place is utilized in the real world.

Remote sites cause a distinct problem

The project should now be moved away from developed streets and utility infrastructure. It is possible to not connect a scenic view or trailhead to the standard 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.

The design process is something different. Instead of selecting a building in the beginning, team members will evaluate the conditions of the site and decide which bathroom system is appropriate for the site.

Capacity should reflect Real Use

A park in a quiet neighborhood or a sports facility regionally don’t have the same kinds of people who visit. Demand for peak times is crucial. The peak demand is crucial.

Owners can design their building around the use of the bathroom, based on the capacity, layout, and fixtures, and maintenance access.

Flexible prefabricated restroom buildings can be an invaluable resource for organizations that are studying their options. They are able to be designed to suit the demands of the project, instead of forcing the space into a template.

Even though Architecture is still an integral part of the conversation

Function doesn’t mean appearance should be overlooked. The bathroom is visible part of a landscape that is public. Roof shapes, siding colors fixtures, masonry and other architectural features can help relate it to adjacent pavilions or concession structures as well as the natural surroundings, an established design theme, or even a neighborhood.

Romtec’s custom approach allows project teams to incorporate different materials, colors, shapes and exterior designs instead of having to adhere to the same appearance.

Design for Place and Not Just for Design for Place.

Romtec collaborates with park operators contractors, park owners, as well as landscape architects to create, design, and install public restrooms. Its expertise covers documenting the construction process and code requirements, ADA considerations as well as engineering, selection of components and construction throughout the United States.

The primary starting point, however, is surprisingly straightforward. Start by asking yourself what kind of restrooms can be built on your property. Begin by understanding the people, activities infrastructure, and the environment that is already there. Then design the building that belongs there.