Japan has always been the clear winner when it comes to innovative personal waste receptacles. From experience menus to aftercare, their potties are at the top of the pile. For. Sure.
And, they’ve done it again with a couple of transparent public restrooms so artsy-fartsy, even the demurest of bladders will relax and simply let go.
Recently, the non-profit Nippon Foundation set out to create a series of public toilets to serve as the antithesis to the nasty, foul, dank, disgusting WC we’ve all come to know and loathe.
The foundation commissioned 16 of its most innovative architects to renovate 17 public restrooms for “The Tokyo Toilet Project.” All the toilets were located in the parks of the bustling, commercial area known as Shibuya.
The goal was to make the toilets accessible and comfortable for all people, regardless of age, gender and ability.
According to a statement from the Nippon Foundation the intention behind the project was, “that people will feel comfortable using these public toilets and to foster a spirit of hospitality for the next person.”
So far, the toilet designed by Shigeru Ban is getting the most fan-fare.
The Pritzker Prize winning architect’s potty projects can be found relieving passers-by in Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park and the Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park.
The facilities are made up of three cubicles a piece that are transparent on your approach. The purpose of this feature is so you can easily see through the tinted cyan, lime green, blue, yellow, pink or purple glass if it’s ocupado or vacant.
The Nippon Foundation explains: “There are two concerns with public toilets, especially those located in parks. The first is whether it is clean inside, and the second is that no one is secretly waiting inside.”
The glass is smart technology that automatically turns opaque when the lock is engaged. At night, the cubicles glow and decorate the parks like lovely, colorful lanterns.
Of course. Because, Japan.