Thiagarajar College Of Engineering

MADURAI, TAMIL NADU

Synopsis of Dissertation Work

On

Architectural Design of Toilets for Public

Buildings and Public Spaces"

Name of the student : S.A.Aarthy

Course/Branch : B.Arch. (Architecture)
Registration No : 13AR01

INTRODUCTION

Civilization began not with the advent of written language but with the
first toilet
(Horan, 1997)
Dictionary meaning: A fixed receptacle into which a person may
urinate or defecate, typically consisting of a large bowl connected to a
system for flushing away the waste into a sewer.
a bathroom fixture consisting of a bowl, usually with a detachable,hinge
d seat and lid, and a device for flushing with water, used fordefecation a
nd urination.
Architectural meaning: Toilet is a critical link. The problem of body
waste disposal is a subject that has always necessarily been the prime
concern for humans living in society. Considering the evolution of the
toilet is important for comprehending toilet design today and especially
the deficiency of it. The idea of toilet is distinctly connected with the
concept of cleanliness. The theory of bacteria and the rise of scientific
thought gave rise to the concept of hygiene and its appearance in daily
life, which in turn altered the inside view of dwellings. Toilet is a vital
part of this home system, distinctly related to human and environmental
factors. Basically, the toilet is a machine for mixing faeces, urine, toilet
paper, and water. This machine can be equipped with a number of
accessories, but
whatever its shape, in fact the WC is more than an object based on the
idea of disposal of flushing away and hiding or diluting something we do
not want. It is obvious that the disposal of waste can only be a part of
toilet design.

In the history of the toilet, the main problem has remained the disposal
of human waste at city level. This was assumed to be solved when the
sewerage system was introduced. In fact, the world has yet to deal with
environmental problems. Ecological sanitation offers a solution to
toilets share of pollution. Moreover, the addition to ecological
conditions, it is important to design a toilet by thinking in a way
regarding human psychological and physiological needs.

For taking toilet design a step further, this research aims to reveal
criteria to solve sanitation problems by focusing on the entire
mechanism including, the toilet and toilet system, which should be
considered and designed to serve all needs of cultures, ages,
differences as a part of everyday life, to be adopted in varies occasions
adding to global needs and realitiesespecially to reach the ideal
toilet.

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 Aim :

The main purpose of this study is to examine the every aspects of toilet
design to reveal a design path for future directions.

To understand the characteristic features of toilets in different spaces and

their influence on the environment.

Objective :

1. To study the Architectural Design of Toilets when it is attached to the

building.
2. To study the Architectural Design of Toilets when it is detached from the
building.

Literature Survey:

1) Whites Hill Reserve Proposed amenities at all-abilities playground This

project involved a new toilet block with adult Changing Places facility that
includes a hoist and changing table for use by people with a disability and
high support needs and their carers. Located close to accessible carpark.
Most cubicles directly face the playground, optimising casual surveillance.
Partial screening provided by fretwork screens. Mesh screens above door
height maximises natural ventilation. Changing Places facility accessed
via MLAK key and designed to BS8300. Accessible baby change table
located in one of two PWDs only. All cisterns concealed in storage room or
secure duct. Water tanks housed in secure storage area.
2) Woolloongabba SCIP toilet A stand-alone, purpose-built toilet facility built on
a road reserve. Because only one toilet is provided, an accessible module
has been designed to comply with AS1428.1. A handbasin is provided inside
and outside the cubicle. The building is located adjacent to a pedestrian
footpath with the entrance facing onto the most active space. Cubicle entry
is not obstructed and clearly visible from most directions. Permeable metal
mesh at the top edge of all walls is provided to assist with ventilation.
Energy-efficient, vandal-resistant light fittings have been located in a high
position. Fully-insulated roof and wall cavities for improved interior thermal
comfort. Factory-painted steel wall cladding provides a tough, easily
cleaned finish inside and out. The building is located adjacent to a
pedestrian footpath with the entrance facing onto the most active space.

Limitation and Scope of the Study :

1. Limitation of this study aims on focusing the transition of toilet designs and
their evalution over the ages.
2. It will show the design function of the toilets in different buildings and spaces
i.e, industrial,institutional,residential,public spaces,office buildings,etc.
3. It will also show the analysis of the functions of an individual in a toilet based
upon their culture,age,location and the user type.
4. Basically, the principles of universal design, ecological sanitation

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 rules and the design criteria restricted by consumers psychological needs
and especially desires have shaped and directed the design attitude of
todays toilet.

Scope:
Further step is arriving an understanding of how the current design
approaches affect the toilet design. One of the main goals in design field and
also in toilet concept isdesigning for everyone. For this reason, universal
design principles are observed in the means of toilet design to reach a future
solution.

Methodology:

Stage I :

History of toilets:

-Its evolution in different cultures and additionally in history, and its psychological
and physical facts.
- Timeline of toilets

-Different types of toilets.

Transition and change over time:

-Toilet use in eastern and western cultures

- comparitive study between eastern and western culture.

Stage II:

Comparative study of toilet designs in any space or buiding .

Importance of toilet design in modern architecture.
Material considerations.
Universal Design and Body Functions, Understanding the Spectrum of
Human Abilities.
Anthropometrics and the ergonomics of the toilet
Understanding the BIS and NBC standards of the public toilets and the toilets in
public buildings.
Stage III:

Live case studies :

-Toilets when attached to the buildings
o Government Schools located in Madurai
-Toilets when detatched from buildings
o Public toilets located in madurai
-Questioner survey in both the case studies
Literature case studies:
Public toilets in San Diego, San Francisco

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 Stage IV:

Investigative Results on the functions of toilets in attached and detached spaces

based upon the characteristic features that influence the design.
Bringing the importance of Universal design principles in toilet design.

Conclusion of the study:

The idea of Universal Design Principles is important to reach a solution,

which can be adapted easily by the majority of the world population in different
environments and different needs. Commonly, the approach for toilet or one design
is
considered for a regular adult population in the age range of about 20 to 50 years,
of which are fairly well known about anthropometrics, biomechanics, physiology
and
psychology, or attitudes and behaviors. But, the reality is completely different from
this view; there are other large population groups that are deserved specific
concern in
society and every individual is unique and the human species is quite diverse as a
group.

It is clear that the environmental sustainability is the most important factor for
the next generation in the world today. Ecological Sanitation

The idea of ecological toilet or universal toilet is not realistic with any
consideration on the consumers behaviors, requires and especially desires.