Thou shalt ensure there is shelf space near the sink for a woman’s handbag
And then make sure you specify a tap design that will not splash onto that surface, because expensive handbags do not like water. And don’t imagine for one instant that a woman will be willing to put her handbag on the floor, because God knows when was the last time it was mopped and how thoroughly.
Thou shalt specify a flush mechanism that will not ruin an expensive manicure
The most obvious solution is to specify an automatic flush, and preferably not one that is so sensitive that it will flush while the user is still sitting on the loo. If a non-electric solution is needed, just don’t specify a button that has to be depressed into the wall. That is virtually guaranteed to break a few nails.
Thou shalt ensure adequate lighting around the mirror
I truly do not understand why anyone designing a toilet thinks that a ceiling fixture that illuminates the top of your head but not your face is of any earthly use. And also, the definition of “adequate lighting” includes the stricture that the lighting should be flattering. This means that yellow fluorescent lights are completely out of the question.
Thou shalt not hide the paper towel dispenser
I’ve been in lots of toilets where the paper towel dispenser has been hidden behind the mirror in between the sinks, but with no signage or other clue as to its location. And by the way, locating it between the sinks means that water will inevitably puddle on the counter, thus breaking the commandment relating to handbags. Architects also need to think about where to install hand dryers so that you don’t drip water halfway across the bathroom in search of the dryer.
Thou shalt design the layout to include a full-length mirror
How else can you check that you don’t have a strip of toilet paper hanging from the back of your outfit?
Thou shalt specify good ventilation to the toilets
Because if you don’t, they will smell. The property manager will then install a deodoriser that will simply overlay the smell of roses/strawberry/vanilla. So even if you’ve got everything else right, the toilets will be a failure.
I have no doubt some readers will find that I have overlooked a key design feature that should be added to this list, and I positively welcome your feedback which you can send through to sara.f@apt.london
Illustrations for this piece were produced by ScribblyBits - you can find more of their work here.
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