Public toilets are often associated with mundane functionality, but architects around the world have challenged this notion by introducing unexpected and visually stunning designs. From triangles to spirals, these ten public toilets with their unconventional floor plans, transforming the act of relieving oneself into a unique architectural experience.
The Triangle Toilet:
As part of the Tokyo Toilet project, a red public toilet block was ingeniously squeezed onto a triangular plot in Tokyo's downtown Shibuya. Designed by New York-based Japanese designer Nao Tamura, this irregularly shaped toilet draws inspiration from the Japanese craft of Origata, offering a striking departure from traditional cubicles.
The Golden Toilet:
London studio Gort Scott designed the Wembley WC Pavilion, covered in shimmering golden aluminum, creating a star shape when viewed from above. This opulent design aims to evoke a sense of pride and confidence, harkening back to a time when public toilets were civic landmarks.
The Inverted S Toilet:
Kubo Tsushima Architects created this public toilet as a symbol of the Japanese town of Nakanojo. Designed to cater to visitors of a contemporary art biennale, the toilet breaks free from the mundane with its inverted S shape, offering a whimsical and memorable experience.
The Waterfall Toilet:
Nestled alongside a river in Norway, this toilet by Bergen-based architecture studio Fortunen offers visitors to the Skjervsfossen waterfall a unique vantage point. With tall windows and glass panels providing panoramic views, each cubicle becomes a serene oasis amidst nature.
The Equilateral Toilet:
Rever & Drage designed this triangular-shaped toilet for Farstadsanden beach in Norway, withstanding strong winds with its distinctive form. Constructed from aluminum, the toilet serves as both a functional rest stop and a striking architectural landmark.
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The Snail Trail Toilet:
Miro Rivera Architects from Austin have put this spiral-shaped toilet together using pre-rust panels of steel to make an enclosure that stands out. Set in Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, the park's public park, this toilet becomes the epitome of land art and gives the area a tinge of magic of its own.
The Snake Toilet:
In commemoration of the factories, the well-crafted public toilet in Japan, designed by Yo Shimada of "Tato Architects," draws its concept from the barrel form. Cylinder-shaped corrugated steel wall lays the space out, enclosing male and female toilets as well as accessible toilet into its specific shape.
The Circular Toilet:
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando contributed to the Tokyo Toilet project with this circular toilet in Jingu-Dori Park. With a spanning roof and Japanese porch, Ando's design transcends the boundaries of a traditional public toilet, offering a serene retreat within the urban landscape.
The Community Toilet:
Architect Rohan Chavan created The Light Box - Restroom for Women in Thane, India, as a safe and inviting space for women to socialize. Positioned around an old tree, the toilets feature a vibrant pink seating area, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
The Spiral Toilet:
Architect Miguel García Martín embedded this toilet into the hillside at Rancho El Descanso ranch in Jalisco, Mexico. Accessed via a spiral path enclosed by rough masonry, the toilets blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering a tranquil and immersive experience.
In conclusion, these ten public toilets exemplify the transformative power of architecture, turning everyday necessities into extraordinary experiences. By breaking free from conventional floor plans and embracing innovative design, these toilets not only serve their functional purpose but also inspire awe and appreciation for the beauty of architectural creativity.
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