Imagine two public toilets. Picture two public restrooms. One is a trailhead located in a remote area, that is surrounded by vast open spaces.
Both of them provide the same fundamental service, but treating these as identical structures does not consider the way in which different locations work.
Image credit: romtec.com
The site is the first step to build a quality public bathroom. Who can use the facilities? How many persons are permitted to use the facility simultaneously? What amenities are available? How far should visitors walk? What’s the architectural style surrounding the structure?
Answering those questions can shape the majority of decisions that follow.
Start With How People Move Through the Site
The placement of toilets shouldn’t be viewed independently from the rest of the park. In a complex for sports huge crowds can be gathered around games and events. It is crucial that the bathroom for the playground is located in a convenient location for families and also be able to fit into the traffic flow. In a downtown setting the sidewalk restrooms might need to operate within a restricted space and blend in with nearby streetscape features.
The structure is only one component of the experience. The place of the building’s location is influenced by many factors, including its accessibility, proximity to activities pathways, entrances, and paths.
Remote sites can cause a new issue
The project must be relocated away from the road and utility infrastructure. A picturesque overlook, camping area, trailhead, or even a remote recreation spot may not have a practical connection 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.
This alters the design discussion. Instead of selecting a building team, the design team must evaluate the conditions of the site to determine what restroom system is best for that location.
Capacity should reflect real use
A park in a peaceful area and a sports complex regionally don’t have the same patterns of visitors. It is important to consider peak demand. Peak demand is crucial.
Making plans around actual usage can help owners consider bathroom capacity, layout, fixtures, maintenance access, and other operational requirements before construction even begins.
Flexible prefabricated restrooms can be a valuable resource for companies looking into the possibility of using them. They are able to be designed to suit the needs of the project instead of forcing the space into a model.
Architecture remains a part of the Conversation
The function doesn’t mean that appearance must be overlooked. The bathroom is visible part of a public space. Roof forms, siding colors fixtures, masonry and other architectural features can aid in connecting it to nearby pavilions or concession buildings as well as the natural surroundings, the design concept, or community.
Romtec’s custom approach allows project teams to blend different designs, materials, colors and exterior finishes rather than having to stick with one uniform appearance.
Design for Place, Not Just for Function
Romtec partners with park owners and contractors to supply and install restrooms and other public structures. Its expertise extends to building documentation and code requirements, ADA considerations as well as engineering, selection of components and construction throughout the United States.
The most crucial beginning point is actually quite simple. Decide on what kind of bathroom you’d like to construct. Start by analyzing the people, activities, infrastructure and the surrounding environment there. Design the structure which is a part of it.