These Public Toilets Transition to Opaque When in Use
Michael Hemsworth — August 21, 2020 — Art & Design
References: shigerubanarchitects & geekologie
These public restrooms have been installed in two parks in Tokyo, Japan to help make them a more appealing option for visitors to use when nature calls. The bathrooms are designed with glass walls that will enable a person to see the interior section to assess its cleanliness before using it and know whether or not it's occupied. The walls will transform from see-through to opaque when the door is locked to provide the person with all the privacy they need to use the facilities.
The public restrooms are located in the Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and the Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park as part of The Tokyo Toilet project.
Designer Shigeru Ban spoke on his creation saying, "There are two things we worry about when entering a public restroom, especially those located at a park. The first is cleanliness, and the second is whether anyone is inside. Using the latest technology, the exterior glass turns opaque when locked. This allows users to check the cleanliness and whether anyone is using the toilet from the outside. At night, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern."
The public restrooms are located in the Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and the Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park as part of The Tokyo Toilet project.
Designer Shigeru Ban spoke on his creation saying, "There are two things we worry about when entering a public restroom, especially those located at a park. The first is cleanliness, and the second is whether anyone is inside. Using the latest technology, the exterior glass turns opaque when locked. This allows users to check the cleanliness and whether anyone is using the toilet from the outside. At night, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern."
Trend Themes
1. Transparent Public Restrooms - Opportunity for integrating transparency technology in public restrooms to improve cleanliness and occupancy visibility.
2. Privacy-enhancing Bathrooms - Disruptive innovation opportunity to create bathrooms that provide privacy while maintaining a sense of openness.
3. Smart Park Facilities - Incorporating technology in park amenities, such as see-through restrooms, to enhance user experience and safety.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Innovative design solutions for public restrooms that prioritize hygiene and privacy.
2. Smart City Infrastructure - Opportunity for incorporating smart technologies in urban spaces, such as transparent public restrooms.
3. Tourism and Hospitality - Improving the appeal of public restrooms for tourists and visitors through innovative design and technology.
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