Imagine two restrooms for public use. One sits beside a busy playground for the community and sports complex. The other is located at the trailhead’s remote location, and is surrounded by a vast open area.

Both of them provide the same fundamental service, but constructing the two buildings as identical does not consider the way in which different areas operate.

Image credit: romtec.com

Good public restroom facilities begin with the location. Who is going to use it? How many guests are permitted to enter at the same time? What services are available? What distance do visitors have to take a walk? What architectural style surrounds the building?

These questions can influence nearly every decision that follows.

Begin by watching how visitors navigate through the site

Toilets’ location shouldn’t be thought of separately from the rest and design of parks. The public may show up in large numbers at a sports complex to watch the games or other events. The location of the restroom near a playground must be convenient for families, in addition to being secure and accessible to pedestrians. In a city-centric setting the sidewalk restrooms might need to be confined to a smaller space and blend in with nearby streetscape elements.

The building is only a small aspect of the experience. Entrances, paths, activities accessibility, and the surrounding environment all influence how the location of the building works in the real world.

Remote sites create a different problem

The project should now be moved away from established roads and utility infrastructure. A scenic viewpoint, campsite, trailhead, or even a remote recreation spot may not be connected to conventional sewer service. In the right circumstances vault toilets offer an alternative for toilet facilities to be used in areas where plumbing infrastructures of the traditional kind may be difficult or impractical.

This alters the discussion about design. Project teams don’t have to pick a location prior to analysing the site and deciding which bathroom system works most effectively.

Capacity ought to reflect Actual Use

The pattern of visits to a quiet neighborhood park and regional sports facilities differ. It is important to consider peak demand. An event that seems to be a success for a typical Tuesday afternoon can face different conditions on a Saturday festival, tournament or other event for the community.

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

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 a part of the conversation

Functionality doesn’t mean appearance has to be overlooked. A restroom is a visible part of a public space. Forms of roof, siding, colors fixtures, masonry and other architectural features can assist in connecting it with nearby pavilions or concession buildings as well as the natural surroundings, an established design theme, or even a neighborhood.

Romtec’s unique approach to project management allows teams to blend different materials, colors, shapes and exterior finishes rather than having to stick with a single standardized appearance.

Design for Place, not Just the Goal

Romtec collaborates with park owners and contractors to supply and install restrooms as well as other public buildings. The company’s experience includes building documentation codes, building documentation, ADA considerations, engineering, component selection, and construction across the United States.

The most important point of departure, however, is surprisingly straightforward. Decide on what kind of bathroom you’d like construct. Start by analyzing the people, activities infrastructure, and environment already there. Make sure the building you design fits into.