ISSUES & THEMES
The fear of getting it wrong!
Due to the range of views and interest groups involved in toilet design it can be a daunting prospect for designers to fully engage in the accessible design of toilets. The fear of using the wrong language, not knowing correct terms and offending people with disabilities can make the subject seem like a minefield to navigate.
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Through this project, all participants have been really supportive in encouraging interest in the subject and understanding that architects and designers don't know all the correct terminology. So, don't let this put you off learning more.
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Experience and understanding
Some approaches to understanding issues of disability involve students and designers trying to experience what it is like, by putting on a blindfold or sitting in a wheelchair. Whilst this approach may help empathise, it can be seen as problematic. Learning from people's experience by listening and discussing the challenges of disability often provides a more authentic and complex understanding of people's lives. This is why the toilet tales stories are so important.
Contested ground
It is important to understand that toilet design is contested ground. Many different groups hold particular viewpoints and positions that conflict with others. Therefore, the holy grail of a toilet for everyone remains elusive and impractical. As a designer, there is usually an imperative to provide a solution; a considered proposal that functions and is fit for purpose. Yet, the debates around which toilet designs are most appropriate will remain.
Try to ensure that you have a specific approach and rationale for toilet design and be able to say why it is appropriate for the stakeholders, design brief and building type.
Critical questioning
It's vital that as architects and designers we question the status quo in terms of toilet design and provision within our buildings and public space. It is also important to have a greater awareness of the socio-spatial challenges that confront us. Without this there maybe less of an imperative to develop new approaches and consider new possibilities.
Regulation response
There is an obvious need to provide guidance and regulation on the design of toilets. However, through research undertaken, it has become clear that standards and regulations are only a small part of the overall picture of toilet design.
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Signs and symbols
Toilet signage can be a thorny issue. The internationally recognised symbols that adorn toilet doors and way-finding markers throughout buildings are essential to navigate and use facilities. Yet they are bones of contention for those that don’t necessarily fit the badge, or that may need more information than is usually given. For instance, who should decide who can use which toilet? Trans people and those with invisible disabilities report being harassed by other users for their choice of toilet. How does a wheelchair user know which side they can transfer on to the toilet from before entering, and therefore whether they can use the facility or not? These are a couple of questions that should be considered when developing toilet designs.
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Power and control
The power to include or exclude in society is mirrored in toilets. Facilities that dissuade or prevent particular groups of people from entering specific spaces and places send powerful signals to those that are granted access and those that aren't. People's right to access basic toilet facilities is denied in so many places and consequently can stop people from going about their daily lives. Surely this is something that we should be able to address?
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