62/Plumbing Engineer August 2021
F
or decades, the term "commercial restrooms" evoked little excitement among users - conjuring up images of nondescript, monochromatic spaces filled with gleaming hard surfaces, zero personality and the kind of overhead florescent lighting that's never done anyone any favors. Commercial bathrooms have been designed to be func- tional, not visually stimulating. Get in, get out, no reason to appreciate the design elements because they're mostly all the same: glaringly white porcelain, institutional chrome brassware and touchless products that apparently can't see you. That is changing as restrooms everywhere, from upscale restaurants and bars to airports and arenas, are getting a makeover. Builders and designers are strategically using these spaces to extend and elevate the main element's aes- thetic and finding new ways to engage and delight its users. The design of today's commercial restrooms is taken as seriously as the rest of the space, if not more so. They need to reflect the overall vibe of the project - not only to make the space beautiful but to elevate the experience for the user and enhance the reputation of the property. "People no longer want public spaces to feel institu- tional - they want that residential feel to make them more inviting, and that's Kohler's specialty," says Andy Baines, general manager of global commercial products for Kohler. The design elements can be simple: the use of real wood accents, a trough lavatory, or unusually shaped mirrors. Or they can be dramatic, such as the public restrooms along Norway's frozen coastline created with mirrored glass exteriors reflecting the dramatic landscape or the floating concrete cube at a downtown Tokyo subway station that's filled with natural light. Either way, the opportunity to connect with the user in a creative way should not be overlooked. In addition to expecting high design, it's no surprise that users today are also more concerned than ever that bath- rooms be hygienic. COVID-19 has made it vital for public bathrooms to provide ample personal space, contact-free fixtures and a pristine, clean appearance. Kohler has been deliberate in its design of touchless products to integrate modern lines and finishes connot- ing an unfussy cleanliness, highly responsive sensors that eliminate the need for patrons to dance around in order to find a faucet or soap dispenser that works, and easy alerts to indicate any necessary maintenance. "We are focused on human-centric product development in order to always deliver a gracious experience when engaging with our products," says Charles Scott Sr., product manager of commercial products for Kohler. "Ultimately, our goal is to keep the user as well as the products and space around them clean. We also know beautiful design has a huge impact on physical and mental wellbeing, health and safety." Inclusive Spaces, Sustainability Commercial restrooms also must offer a welcoming experience to all their patrons and, as a result, there has been a move away from gender-specific bathrooms to a more universal - and inclusive - space where no one feels excluded. "Public restrooms have a wide range of users that vary By Dianne Orlina
Commercial Bathrooms: Bold New Trends
Builders and designers are strategically using restrooms to extend and elevate the main element's aesthetic.
The Main Concourse general restroom at Fiserv Forum boasts simple, clean lines with the sculpted design of touchless faucets and wall-hung sinks. Photo: Kohler
Previous Page