shed posting will be here soon!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Japanese Tea House
by Shawn, David, Barbara, and Matus
A Japanese Tea House, or chashitsu, is a building or a room in which the Japanese perform tea ceremonies. The tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, is a ritual during which hosts entertain their guests by serving tea. The point of the chanoyu is to provide a tranquil and spiritual setting in which one can express hospitality to his or her guests.
Tea ceremony is practiced with great respect and devotion. The whole experience from arriving at the entrance of the garden, to the purification of hands and mouth in the wash basin, to the communal drinking out of the same bowl... every aspect of the tea ritual takes on the path to enlightenment. Although seemingly simple on the outside, the path to enlightenment it is powerful on the inside. The same holds true for the tea house itself. Materiality and construction are straightforward with little detail and simple layouts. The materials may be simple, but the subjective quality is powerful through the connection of the posts and beams.
Modern tea houses have been built to suit modern ways of life, however, the fundamental elements are still preserved.
by Shawn, David, Barbara, and Matus
A Japanese Tea House, or chashitsu, is a building or a room in which the Japanese perform tea ceremonies. The tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, is a ritual during which hosts entertain their guests by serving tea. The point of the chanoyu is to provide a tranquil and spiritual setting in which one can express hospitality to his or her guests.
Tea ceremony is practiced with great respect and devotion. The whole experience from arriving at the entrance of the garden, to the purification of hands and mouth in the wash basin, to the communal drinking out of the same bowl... every aspect of the tea ritual takes on the path to enlightenment. Although seemingly simple on the outside, the path to enlightenment it is powerful on the inside. The same holds true for the tea house itself. Materiality and construction are straightforward with little detail and simple layouts. The materials may be simple, but the subjective quality is powerful through the connection of the posts and beams.
Modern tea houses have been built to suit modern ways of life, however, the fundamental elements are still preserved.
http://bryant.ceat.okstate.edu/k43a.JPG
http://bryant.ceat.okstate.edu/k42.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/2002_kenrokuen_hanami_0123.jpg
http://bryant.ceat.okstate.edu/k34.JPG
http://www.vill.nishiokoppe.hokkaido.jp/Office/aet/nishiokoppe21.jpg
BUS SHELTER
Often bus shelters are a reflection of the metropolitan life. Bus shelters are mainly created to accommodate the need for travelers to be protected from the weather during the wait for buses. Moreover, bus shelters contribute to the context of the city. Creating pleasing and attractive bus shelters would also brighten up the city. From history, bus shelters had been unpleasant, providing insufficient sunlight and poor protection from the weather. Factors which contribute to a decent environment for bus shelters include the size of the shelter, the material being used to construct the shelter. The shape, the location of the bus shelters and the services provided by the shelters would also affect the connection and contribution of shelters to the urban context. Recently, the design of bus shelters has been paid much attention than before. Design competitions are often held for creative designers to enhance the urban context with the design of bus shelters. A recent winner of a bus shelter competition was a bus shelter proposed by Architects Silcher. Werner + Redante in Hamburg, Germany.
In this report, we would focus on how bus shelters contribute to the texture and culture of the city, at the same time providing a safe shelter for travelers.
Our project was on the tea house. Here are some interesting quotes we found that give a good idea about why the big deal about tea!
"Tea-ism is a cult founded on the adoration of the
beautiful among the sordid facts of every-day existence. “
"Zen mind is ordinary everyday mind and the tea ceremony is, like sweeping the garden or planting rice or working at a desk, refined but common-place, a ritual performed not as an emblem, but as useful in and of itself. Bringing Zen mind to the task at hand, every detail of every task becomes simple and luminous. The tea ceremony becomes art, a ceremony performed not as symbol or allegory, but as an ultimate expression of the here-and-now in which Zen practice is rooted. “
“The daily drinking of tea is important to calm one’s self.”
***couldn't get the photos to load up, will keep trying
Margarita Marchenko
Jacqueline Pereira
Anne Frobeen
Vince Andriano
"Tea-ism is a cult founded on the adoration of the
beautiful among the sordid facts of every-day existence. “
"Zen mind is ordinary everyday mind and the tea ceremony is, like sweeping the garden or planting rice or working at a desk, refined but common-place, a ritual performed not as an emblem, but as useful in and of itself. Bringing Zen mind to the task at hand, every detail of every task becomes simple and luminous. The tea ceremony becomes art, a ceremony performed not as symbol or allegory, but as an ultimate expression of the here-and-now in which Zen practice is rooted. “
“The daily drinking of tea is important to calm one’s self.”
***couldn't get the photos to load up, will keep trying
Margarita Marchenko
Jacqueline Pereira
Anne Frobeen
Vince Andriano
Subway Station
Stamatis Barotas, Lindsay DeGrow, Jorden Lefler, Vincent Pape, Melissa Rawlins
Created through the need to make travelling through the city faster and more efficient, the Subway Station is a gateway to the different parts of the city and beyond. The Subway Station’s sustainability relies on its ridership, thus it must be comfortable, safe, and convenient. Every day countless people travel through on their way to and from work. Its cultural context is reflected in its design, giving the public a connection and belonging. Different styles and designs help the passengers of the subway the ability to determine their location along the subway line. Like the bus shelter and the bus system, the subway station is a part of a greater whole. While technically the subway lines connecting the stations together make the entire subway system one large structure, the same can argued for pedestrian buildings spanning between buildings and the pipes connecting all the buildings within the city make those one large building. The stairs that rise from the ground on the city streets and the cramped and hidden hallways that lead within, give the appearance of small. If the Subway Station is not a small building it is at least one camouflaged as small.
Stamatis Barotas, Lindsay DeGrow, Jorden Lefler, Vincent Pape, Melissa Rawlins
Created through the need to make travelling through the city faster and more efficient, the Subway Station is a gateway to the different parts of the city and beyond. The Subway Station’s sustainability relies on its ridership, thus it must be comfortable, safe, and convenient. Every day countless people travel through on their way to and from work. Its cultural context is reflected in its design, giving the public a connection and belonging. Different styles and designs help the passengers of the subway the ability to determine their location along the subway line. Like the bus shelter and the bus system, the subway station is a part of a greater whole. While technically the subway lines connecting the stations together make the entire subway system one large structure, the same can argued for pedestrian buildings spanning between buildings and the pipes connecting all the buildings within the city make those one large building. The stairs that rise from the ground on the city streets and the cramped and hidden hallways that lead within, give the appearance of small. If the Subway Station is not a small building it is at least one camouflaged as small.
Relief Shelters
Brynn Horley, Jeff Izbister, Rob Lee, Allen Schiedel, Danielle Sernoskie
Through our research into relief shelters we discovered that, not only can these shelters range greatly in size but they can also vary widely in many other significantly different ways: what conditions they are best suited to, the time taken to assemble them, their length of use, how well they protect from the exterior environment, and many more.For the purposes of this project we have divided our search between emergency shelters and relief shelters. In short; emergency shelters provide quick refuge from a potentially harmful or undesirable situation or from the effects of the exterior environment while relief shelters provide long-term to permanent shelter for people who have lived through a devastating experience which has compromised their prior dwelling.Within this topic we found ourselves re-evaluating what a 'shelter' is. Relief shelters can range from something as simple as placing a newspaper over your head to protect yourself from the exterior environment to something as elaborate as a new wood frame house which is to become part of a new community redevelopment. Everyone would probably agree that a house is a shelter and, depending on its size, a small building but what of the newspaper: assuming it also provides shelter. Is it a small building? Who decides? Is there a correct answer?
Brynn Horley, Jeff Izbister, Rob Lee, Allen Schiedel, Danielle Sernoskie
Through our research into relief shelters we discovered that, not only can these shelters range greatly in size but they can also vary widely in many other significantly different ways: what conditions they are best suited to, the time taken to assemble them, their length of use, how well they protect from the exterior environment, and many more.For the purposes of this project we have divided our search between emergency shelters and relief shelters. In short; emergency shelters provide quick refuge from a potentially harmful or undesirable situation or from the effects of the exterior environment while relief shelters provide long-term to permanent shelter for people who have lived through a devastating experience which has compromised their prior dwelling.Within this topic we found ourselves re-evaluating what a 'shelter' is. Relief shelters can range from something as simple as placing a newspaper over your head to protect yourself from the exterior environment to something as elaborate as a new wood frame house which is to become part of a new community redevelopment. Everyone would probably agree that a house is a shelter and, depending on its size, a small building but what of the newspaper: assuming it also provides shelter. Is it a small building? Who decides? Is there a correct answer?
FOLLY
Abdul Aziz Abdul Hussain, Vivian Gabrail, Anthony Iamonaco, Chris Mohan, Cristian Stefanescu
Follies can be seen as urban interventions, where existing destinations or buildings are revisited or reinvented through the addition of a new and unique symbol, meaning or context. Furthermore, the follies provide new opportunities to the spaces or buildings they inhabit that may have lost a sense of place in the community. The folly is playful, allowing artistic form to reflect a greater concept and meaning.
The urban swing, an intervention into an unused public space in a Queen St. alley way, redefines the space by giving it a new identity, and encouraging the use of a previously unrecognized space.
On a site defined by Yonge St. and Bay St. to the east and west and Temperance St. and Adelaide St. to the north and south sits the Bay-Adelaide Centre, a failed attempt in constructing a skyscraper that resulted in only the building's
foundation, underground parking and the core of the first few storeys being built. Today, its remians an abandoned dream, an empty shell. Its lost identity is now being addressed by the use of its surface as an advertising billboard. This “second-hand” use of the building redefines its content and context, thus its meaning.
MANIFESTO - The Power of the Folly
Super Folly: the folly exists singularly within a space. Once constructed/placed on site, it steps into reality and moves a step closer in the direction of architecture as it roots itself in
constructability and physicality.
Loud Folly: its loud colour and formal expression contribute to a strong visual and experiential impact. This folly is born to stand out.
Playful Folly: not limited by the requirements that generally restrict architecture, this folly presents an opportunity for artistic expression. This translates into whimsical and dynamic creations that result in one's admiration and/or enjoyment.
http://www.soulclinic.blogspot.com/2005_01_01_soulclinic_archive.html
Abdul Aziz Abdul Hussain, Vivian Gabrail, Anthony Iamonaco, Chris Mohan, Cristian Stefanescu
Follies can be seen as urban interventions, where existing destinations or buildings are revisited or reinvented through the addition of a new and unique symbol, meaning or context. Furthermore, the follies provide new opportunities to the spaces or buildings they inhabit that may have lost a sense of place in the community. The folly is playful, allowing artistic form to reflect a greater concept and meaning.
The urban swing, an intervention into an unused public space in a Queen St. alley way, redefines the space by giving it a new identity, and encouraging the use of a previously unrecognized space.On a site defined by Yonge St. and Bay St. to the east and west and Temperance St. and Adelaide St. to the north and south sits the Bay-Adelaide Centre, a failed attempt in constructing a skyscraper that resulted in only the building's
foundation, underground parking and the core of the first few storeys being built. Today, its remians an abandoned dream, an empty shell. Its lost identity is now being addressed by the use of its surface as an advertising billboard. This “second-hand” use of the building redefines its content and context, thus its meaning.
MANIFESTO - The Power of the Folly
Super Folly: the folly exists singularly within a space. Once constructed/placed on site, it steps into reality and moves a step closer in the direction of architecture as it roots itself in
constructability and physicality.
Loud Folly: its loud colour and formal expression contribute to a strong visual and experiential impact. This folly is born to stand out.
Playful Folly: not limited by the requirements that generally restrict architecture, this folly presents an opportunity for artistic expression. This translates into whimsical and dynamic creations that result in one's admiration and/or enjoyment.
http://www.soulclinic.blogspot.com/2005_01_01_soulclinic_archive.html
T R E E H O U S E S
================
Ashley Phillips, Alfred Law, Maxine Yu, Janet Szeto
As children, growing up submerged in western culture, tree houses have always captured our imagination, represented to us freedom, fantasy, adventure, and a place of absolute relaxation as you can become one with nature. However, they were not always used for such pleasurable purposes. In fact, they once served as lookout towers against enemies and as habitats to protect against the attack of animals.
In today’s age, treehouses extend beyond the notion of playhouses for children or hideaways from enemies. Treehouses now juggle between the categories of temporary and permanent structures in the different context it finds itself in: from the lightweight portable tree canopies of observatory systems, to the backyard playhouses or summer getaways for adults, into the full-time dwellings and treehomes of many, across the horizon, to the forests where new ideas and technology carries the bold statements it holds to the world. The treehouse is ever changing, not only in its usage, construction methods and materials, but also transforming in what it has come to be and represent.
As technology advances and global environment issues continue to arise, many individuals and architects have expressed their changing views of society through the design of treehouses. The possibilities of all the different forms that can be created with new construction materials and methods are nearly boundless. Such technological advancement has allowed individuals to dream up treehouses that serve functions of all kind. They are no longer bound by simple post and beam construction to form traditional playhouse or act as a place of relaxation. The end result of such radical change in the last several decades are strong, bold statements displayed through treehouses and to the rest of the world.
Some examples of these intriguing new designs can be seen below:
HABITATION
----------
The House and Home of Kendall Thurston
Though tree houses are often perceived as temporary, unstable structures, many have proven to the world that permanency and durability in its form and construction are possible. Though not a new concept, tree houses have acted as homes for many in the past few centuries. However, in the modern age of technology and skyscrapers, tree houses that serves as dwellings suitable for full-time living are a rarity. Some have chosen to settle their homes and lives in such context where fresh air is abundant, the chirping of the birds become the music that is played, and a view unmatched any other.
SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATORY STATIONS
-------------------------------
The ICOS (Independent Canopy Observatory System) on the LEFT
and the SolVin Bretzel on the RIGHT
The purpose of these type of tree houses is to observe the unexplored forest canopy, discover new species, and collect specimen, while comfortably and safely inhabiting the treetops for long periods of time. Forest treetops are one of the least explored places on earth even though 40% of existing species are living amongst them without ever touching the ground. These observation spaces can also be used for studying the environment in terms of air quality and the absorption of carbon in the forests. They can take any form but, as this type of structure have to be portable; the materials must be relatively light. They must also be able to be constructed and dismantled easily by only a handful of scientists.
TREEHOUSES OF THE FUTURE
------------------------
The Insect House on the LEFT
and the Lifepod Project on the RIGHT
One of the most exciting things about tree houses is their potential in development and use in the future. Designers, architects, and everyday people have been able to recognize what tree houses could possibly become, and how they could go beyond what exists today.
================
Ashley Phillips, Alfred Law, Maxine Yu, Janet Szeto
As children, growing up submerged in western culture, tree houses have always captured our imagination, represented to us freedom, fantasy, adventure, and a place of absolute relaxation as you can become one with nature. However, they were not always used for such pleasurable purposes. In fact, they once served as lookout towers against enemies and as habitats to protect against the attack of animals.
In today’s age, treehouses extend beyond the notion of playhouses for children or hideaways from enemies. Treehouses now juggle between the categories of temporary and permanent structures in the different context it finds itself in: from the lightweight portable tree canopies of observatory systems, to the backyard playhouses or summer getaways for adults, into the full-time dwellings and treehomes of many, across the horizon, to the forests where new ideas and technology carries the bold statements it holds to the world. The treehouse is ever changing, not only in its usage, construction methods and materials, but also transforming in what it has come to be and represent.
As technology advances and global environment issues continue to arise, many individuals and architects have expressed their changing views of society through the design of treehouses. The possibilities of all the different forms that can be created with new construction materials and methods are nearly boundless. Such technological advancement has allowed individuals to dream up treehouses that serve functions of all kind. They are no longer bound by simple post and beam construction to form traditional playhouse or act as a place of relaxation. The end result of such radical change in the last several decades are strong, bold statements displayed through treehouses and to the rest of the world.
Some examples of these intriguing new designs can be seen below:
HABITATION
----------
The House and Home of Kendall Thurston
Though tree houses are often perceived as temporary, unstable structures, many have proven to the world that permanency and durability in its form and construction are possible. Though not a new concept, tree houses have acted as homes for many in the past few centuries. However, in the modern age of technology and skyscrapers, tree houses that serves as dwellings suitable for full-time living are a rarity. Some have chosen to settle their homes and lives in such context where fresh air is abundant, the chirping of the birds become the music that is played, and a view unmatched any other.
SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATORY STATIONS
-------------------------------
The ICOS (Independent Canopy Observatory System) on the LEFT
and the SolVin Bretzel on the RIGHT
The purpose of these type of tree houses is to observe the unexplored forest canopy, discover new species, and collect specimen, while comfortably and safely inhabiting the treetops for long periods of time. Forest treetops are one of the least explored places on earth even though 40% of existing species are living amongst them without ever touching the ground. These observation spaces can also be used for studying the environment in terms of air quality and the absorption of carbon in the forests. They can take any form but, as this type of structure have to be portable; the materials must be relatively light. They must also be able to be constructed and dismantled easily by only a handful of scientists.
TREEHOUSES OF THE FUTURE
------------------------
The Insect House on the LEFT
and the Lifepod Project on the RIGHT
One of the most exciting things about tree houses is their potential in development and use in the future. Designers, architects, and everyday people have been able to recognize what tree houses could possibly become, and how they could go beyond what exists today.
ice fishing shacks
The practice of fishing has been an essential component in the evolution of humankind, providing the required nourishment and sustenance needed for survival throughout history. Fishing in colder climates eventually lead to the innovation of ice fishing ; a method of survival which has since evolved into the beloved sport and pastime that it is today.
Daniel Comerford, Lisa Karkut, and Farzam Mohajer
The practice of fishing has been an essential component in the evolution of humankind, providing the required nourishment and sustenance needed for survival throughout history. Fishing in colder climates eventually lead to the innovation of ice fishing ; a method of survival which has since evolved into the beloved sport and pastime that it is today.
Although ice fishing tactics, shelters, and equipment have evolved quite a bit throughout history, the basic goal has remained the same, and is still integral to the sport today. The need for shelter from the elements while ice fishing lead to the implementation of 'ice fishing huts' - small structures which provide a degree of shelter during the fishing process. Although the size and construction of these shelters vary quite a bit, they are all designed around the same basic criteria: that is, light-weight construction, ease of mobility, economical construction, durability, and of course, a very functional/efficient layout for the ice-fishing activities within. Traditionally, most ice fishing huts have been owner-constructed; typically made from wood-frame construction with plywood/aluminum cladding. Of course innovations in the market have lead to an array of commercially available ice fishing hut types, each bragging different qualities. Collapsible tent structures ( http://www.clamcorp.com/ ), trailer-huts ( http://www.teamicepro.com/ ), and motorized huts are examples of such market innovations. 
Regardless of form, the ice fishing shack is a symbolic entity which contains various 'thresholds' between the fisher and nature. An example of such a symbolic threshold are the walls themselves; as one enters the shack they are stepping into a dark, warm, sheltered separation from the natural world which is white and bright, wide open, and susceptible to the elements. Another example could be the fishing hole itself, which offers a window through the seemingly solid surface of the ice an
d provides a limited view into the watery world below.
Beyond the more utilitarian aspects of ice fishing, there is a whole world of social and cultural significance. On an ice-barren landscape, the fishing shack harbours a unique social interaction and warmth of life which deeply contrasts its greater context. Within these little huts, various activities such as talking and drinking often form a sense of comrodery and bonding that has become just as significant as the fishing itself. Within the cozy environment, the methodical process of fishing often allows one to enter a more contemplative state of mind, and perhaps gain a sense of increased spirituality. Furthermore,
the process of fishing and killing for ones own food deeply contrasts our typical way of modern life, and creates a connection with our more primitive past. Similar to any other sport, the element of competition is also quite prevalent in the ice fishing culture. Bragging rights are at stake, and traditions, local heroes and legends become an important folklore that ties everyone in the ice fishing community together. It is truly remarkable that such a utilitarian building like an ice fishing hut could yield such significant social/cultural/spiritual relationships and experiences, within what seems a 'purely functional' form.
d provides a limited view into the watery world below.Beyond the more utilitarian aspects of ice fishing, there is a whole world of social and cultural significance. On an ice-barren landscape, the fishing shack harbours a unique social interaction and warmth of life which deeply contrasts its greater context. Within these little huts, various activities such as talking and drinking often form a sense of comrodery and bonding that has become just as significant as the fishing itself. Within the cozy environment, the methodical process of fishing often allows one to enter a more contemplative state of mind, and perhaps gain a sense of increased spirituality. Furthermore,
the process of fishing and killing for ones own food deeply contrasts our typical way of modern life, and creates a connection with our more primitive past. Similar to any other sport, the element of competition is also quite prevalent in the ice fishing culture. Bragging rights are at stake, and traditions, local heroes and legends become an important folklore that ties everyone in the ice fishing community together. It is truly remarkable that such a utilitarian building like an ice fishing hut could yield such significant social/cultural/spiritual relationships and experiences, within what seems a 'purely functional' form.Monday, February 06, 2006
Gate Houses
Hanan, Sally, Noor & Nawrase
A creation, a building, a check point, an entrance, a façade, a representational figure. All of the previous terms are representations of what a gate house can be.
A gate or screen creating a passage way that will introduce what will be at the end of it. But how does it conceive its character? Is it a replica of its form? Or is it distinct and unique from its’ building?
The use of materials and details creates its physical and social context portraying the type of the building. The roof, window, door, and any other aspect define and characterize the gatehouses’ stature.
Discovering and observing the signs and symbols that are located on the gate house one can find out the purpose of the assembly it is gating.
A creation, a building, a check point, an entrance, a façade, a representational figure. All of the previous terms are representations of what a gate house can be.A gate or screen creating a passage way that will introduce what will be at the end of it. But how does it conceive its character? Is it a replica of its form? Or is it distinct and unique from its’ building?
The use of materials and details creates its physical and social context portraying the type of the building. The roof, window, door, and any other aspect define and characterize the gatehouses’ stature.
Discovering and observing the signs and symbols that are located on the gate house one can find out the purpose of the assembly it is gating.
PUBLIC WASHROOMS
Michael Clesle, Paul Kurti, Norberto Santos, Saman Soleimani-Deilamani, and Kimberly Pigott
In the urban environment many small structures can find an iconic value. London’s famous telephone booths and Paris’ Art Nouveau Metro entrances are evidence of this simple fact: sometimes, the most intriguing and memorable pieces of architecture in an urban setting are the smallest ones.
Public lavatories are a tricky structure to design, and are often avoided or neglected simply because of the taboo surrounding them. In North American cities they are quite often completely out of sight and exist within other private establishments. Even the thought of public washrooms existing as freestanding structures within a North American city can seem unthinkable and unusual to some.
In many European and Asian countries however, thriving tourist industries have helped create a general understanding and need that public lavatories, or any small structure for that matter, if designed carefully and tastefully, can add to the quality of urban life and, in some instances, even become a memorable public installation. The public lavatory in a West London neighbourhood designed by CZWG is a testament to this approach. By incorporating a flower kiosk with that of a public washroom, the architects have been able to transform a traditionally neglected and avoided structure into one that creates a public node for interaction and an image for the neighbourhood.
When comparing local examples within Toronto to those overseas, it was found that many of the local public washrooms lack both identity and attention. One explanation to this problem is that the common place of the shopping mall in North American society has influenced the lack of free standing public washrooms in a negative manner. The harsher climatic conditions of the city could also result in a lack of independent public washrooms.
Public washrooms extend beyond the built structures that stereotypically represent this specific building type. Portable toilets are some such examples, and technological developments have even led to Automated Portable Toilets (APTs).
Although public washrooms are spaces and structures that are not readily discussed, there is no need for their designs to be ignored. Through careful consideration public washrooms can become architectural icons that would compliment the existing fabric of the city, positively adding to previously neglected public spaces.
Public washroom at Dundas Square.
Portable Toilet.
Public washroom at Grange Park.
Michael Clesle, Paul Kurti, Norberto Santos, Saman Soleimani-Deilamani, and Kimberly Pigott
In the urban environment many small structures can find an iconic value. London’s famous telephone booths and Paris’ Art Nouveau Metro entrances are evidence of this simple fact: sometimes, the most intriguing and memorable pieces of architecture in an urban setting are the smallest ones.
Public lavatories are a tricky structure to design, and are often avoided or neglected simply because of the taboo surrounding them. In North American cities they are quite often completely out of sight and exist within other private establishments. Even the thought of public washrooms existing as freestanding structures within a North American city can seem unthinkable and unusual to some.
In many European and Asian countries however, thriving tourist industries have helped create a general understanding and need that public lavatories, or any small structure for that matter, if designed carefully and tastefully, can add to the quality of urban life and, in some instances, even become a memorable public installation. The public lavatory in a West London neighbourhood designed by CZWG is a testament to this approach. By incorporating a flower kiosk with that of a public washroom, the architects have been able to transform a traditionally neglected and avoided structure into one that creates a public node for interaction and an image for the neighbourhood.
When comparing local examples within Toronto to those overseas, it was found that many of the local public washrooms lack both identity and attention. One explanation to this problem is that the common place of the shopping mall in North American society has influenced the lack of free standing public washrooms in a negative manner. The harsher climatic conditions of the city could also result in a lack of independent public washrooms.
Public washrooms extend beyond the built structures that stereotypically represent this specific building type. Portable toilets are some such examples, and technological developments have even led to Automated Portable Toilets (APTs).
Although public washrooms are spaces and structures that are not readily discussed, there is no need for their designs to be ignored. Through careful consideration public washrooms can become architectural icons that would compliment the existing fabric of the city, positively adding to previously neglected public spaces.
Public washroom at Dundas Square.
Portable Toilet.
Public washroom at Grange Park.
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