flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Japan’s Tokyo Toilet project looks to improve the perception of public restrooms

Architects

Japan’s Tokyo Toilet project looks to improve the perception of public restrooms

17 toilets throughout Shibuya will be redesigned as part of the project.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | August 19, 2020
Ebisu Park toilet

Ebisu Park. All images courtesy Tokyo Toilet

When it comes to toilets, nobody does them quite like Japan. Often times equipped with lights, multiple settings, and remote controls with more buttons than most modern day television remotes, Japan looks at toilets as a symbol of its world-renowned hospitality culture.

But even in Japan, the stigma surrounding public toilets exists; they can be dirty, stinky, and a place where one wants to spend as little time as possible. But now, thanks to The Tokyo Toilet project, 16 designers and architects from around the world are redesigning 17 public toilet locations throughout Shibuya to make it a much more pleasant experience when nature calls away from home.

Five toilet locations, including two from Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, have already opened on July 31 and Aug. 7. Shigeru Ban’s designs, located in Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Haru-No-Ogawa Community Park, feature an all glass design that allows people to see from the outside if the restroom is clean, as well as if anyone is currently inside. Once a stall is locked, the glass turns opaque. At night, the restrooms light up like lanterns in the park.

 

Yoyogi Fukamachi mini park toilet clear glassYoyogi Fukamachi mini park clear glass.

Yoyogi Fukamachi mini park toilet clear glass opaque glassYoyogi Fukamachi mini park opaque glass.

 

The restroom located in Ebisu East Park, designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, functions as both a public restroom and as a public space that serves as a park pavilion equipped with a rest area. A fourth restroom, located in Higashi Sanchome and designed by product designer Nao Tamura, features a completely red exterior with a design inspired by Origata, a traditional Japanese method of decorative wrapping. The restroom includes three separate spaces to redefine the way a public bathroom establishes personal space. 

 

Ebisu East Park toiletEbisu East Park.

 

The fifth restroom, located in Ebisu Park and designed by interior designer Masamichi Katayama/Wonderwall, takes its inspiration from a Kawaya, a hut that stood over a river. The purposefully ambiguous space is simultaneously an object and a toilet by randomly combining 15 concrete walls. The spaces between the walls lead users into three different areas designed for men, women, and everyone.

All of the facilities will be maintained by the Nippon Foundation, the Shibuya City Government, and the Shibuya Tourism Association. The remaining facilities are tentatively scheduled to open between Sept. 7, 2020 and the end of 2021.

 

Higasi Sanchome toiletHigasi Sanchome.

Tags

Related Stories

Education Facilities | Mar 3, 2020

Carisima Koenig, AIA, joins Perkins Eastman as Associate Higher Education Practice Leader

 Perkins Eastman as Associate Higher Education Practice Leader

Architects | Mar 2, 2020

Two ‘firsts’ for Sasaki and LEO A DALY

Following an industry trend, the firms hire chiefs of technology and sustainability, respectively.

Architects | Feb 26, 2020

Seven architects aim to design the “newsstand of the future”

The winning project will be created and presented during Milan Design Week 2020.  

Architects | Feb 24, 2020

Design for educational equity

Can architecture not only shape lives, but contribute to a more equitable and just society for marginalized people?

AEC Tech | Feb 22, 2020

Investor interest in the built environment not quite as avid in 2019

Builtworlds’ annual list of venture deals led by workspace providers.

Modular Building | Feb 16, 2020

On the West Coast, prefab gains ground for speedier construction

Gensler has been working with component supplier Clark Pacific on several projects.

AEC Tech | Feb 13, 2020

Exclusive research: Download the final report for BD+C's Giants 300 Technology and Innovation Study

This survey of 130 of the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms tracks the state of AEC technology adoption and innovation initiatives at the AEC Giants.

Office Buildings | Feb 11, 2020

Forget Class A: The opportunity is with Class B and C office properties

There’s money to be made in rehabbing Class B and Class C office buildings, according to a new ULI report.

Architects | Feb 6, 2020

NBBJ acquires immersive technology design studio ESI Design

NBBJ has acquired experience design studio ESI Design. The acquisition signals a new era where buildings will be transformed into immersive and interactive digital experiences that engage and delight.

Sponsored | HVAC | Feb 3, 2020

Reliable Building Systems Increase Net Operating Income by Retaining Tenants

Tenants increasingly expect a well-crafted property that feels unique, authentic, and comfortable—with technologically advanced systems and spaces that optimize performance and encourage collaboration and engagement. The following guidance will help owners and property managers keep tenants happy.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Warehouses

California bill would limit where distribution centers can be built

A bill that passed the California legislature would limit where distribution centers can be located and impose other rules aimed at reducing air pollution and traffic. Assembly Bill 98 would tighten building standards for new warehouses and ban heavy diesel truck traffic next to sensitive sites including homes, schools, parks and nursing homes.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021