Often times we don’t stop to think about how shifts in societal norms can affect the architecture of the buildings we live, work and play in.  A great example of this is a design challenge recently posed to us by an educational client to create the first multi-occupant, unisex restroom on their campus.  As seen in the accompanying rendering, the design features unisex hand washing facilities paired with individual, fully enclosed toilet compartments for privacy. The design and concept is similar to facilities commonly found in Europe.  The over-arching theme is to optimize efficiency by both increasing the number of fixtures and eliminating the segregation that can limit efficiency.  How do you feel about this shift?  Do you see this becoming the new normal?

Allison Towles, Senior Interior Designer