Have you ever wondered why public restroom doors are always designed with a certain gap at the top (adjacent to the ceiling) and bottom (adjacent to the floor)? You will find the answer right below, as architects have clear reasons for doing this.
When using restrooms in public places like large shopping malls, cinemas, or parks, have you ever wondered: Why is there a large gap at the bottom of the public toilet stall door?
In fact, this design is not arbitrary; it is based on specific foundations. Most countries use doors with a bottom gap of 12 inches, while the United States uses 9 inches.
1. Emergency Preparedness
If you run out of toilet paper, someone can easily provide it with this open-top and bottom design.
One benefit of not having a completely sealed door is that it allows communication between the inside and outside in case of an emergency. Additionally, any assistance (such as “resupplying” toilet paper) becomes much easier.
2. Minimizing Inappropriate Use of Public Toilets
The open door design helps limit inappropriate actions.
With this open-top and bottom door design, the risks of using public toilet stalls for inappropriate purposes such as sex, drug use, or even graffiti are minimized as much as possible.
3. Easy Installation and Maintenance
Installing a narrower door saves costs.
Clearly, installing a door that is narrower than the door frame is much easier, which reduces installation and maintenance costs. Moreover, it also looks quite aesthetically pleasing.
4. Avoiding Interruptions
The toilet door design makes it easy to see if someone is inside, preventing interruptions.
In crowded public restrooms, just imagine how terrible it would be if you were constantly disturbed by door pushing. With this door design, it becomes easy for those outside to recognize that a restroom is in use and not disturb you.
5. Easier to Escape If Trapped
If the door is locked and no one is around to help, the gaps are wide enough for you to escape.
Have you ever experienced being locked inside a cramped space and… “the smell” with no one around to assist you? At that moment, you surely wished you could get help, at least with some tool that someone outside could pass to you through the sufficiently wide gaps to help you escape quickly.
6. Easier to Clean
Public restrooms clearly need to be cleaned regularly, several times a day. Therefore, having open doors is necessary, as it makes the janitors’ work easier and faster.
Water drains more easily and can be poured without fear of flooding. Especially with open-stall restrooms, you only need to stand from one stall to flush – it’s quick and convenient.
7. Better Ventilation, Faster Odor Dissipation
Imagine, would you want to enter a stall that still smells of the previous occupant? However, if that stall has an open design, the smell will dissipate quickly due to air circulation, making it more comfortable for the next user.
8. Avoid Knocked Doors
When you are “in action” in the restroom, no one wants to be disturbed. However, with a closed door, this situation occurs frequently. Meanwhile, an open door helps those outside determine whether someone is inside.
9. Avoid Time Wasters
Many people have a habit of taking a long time when using the toilet, and this is even easier if it is a private, comfortable stall.
However, with an open design, the person inside will feel less private and will decide to act as quickly as possible, thus helping those waiting not to have to wait long.
The History of Public Toilets: From Primitive Latrines to Modern ComfortsPublic toilets play an essential role in human life, contributing to environmental cleanliness and public health. However, their development history has gone through many ups and downs, from primitive latrines to the modern conveniences we see today. Prehistoric Era: The earliest traces of public toilets can be found from the prehistoric era. In ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India, people built rudimentary latrines and drainage systems to handle waste. However, these constructions were technically limited and catered only to a small part of the population, primarily the aristocracy. Ancient Roman Era: The ancient Roman Empire is seen as a period of breakthrough development in public sanitation. Drainage systems and public toilets were widely constructed throughout the empire, serving the common people. Roman public toilets had a relatively modern design, featuring water drainage and flushing systems. Some facilities were even equipped with seating and water faucets, reflecting significant advancements in sanitation culture during this period. Medieval Period: After the fall of the Roman Empire, European civilization entered a dark age, during which public sanitation declined. Roman drainage systems and public toilets were abandoned, leading to severe environmental pollution. People often disposed of waste indiscriminately in public areas, making it easy for diseases to spread. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes to society, including public sanitation. The demand for public restrooms increased due to population growth and the concentration of workers in urban areas. Cities began to build more modern drainage systems and public toilets, significantly improving environmental sanitation conditions. 20th and 21st Centuries: In the 20th and 21st centuries, public toilets continued to be improved in design, technology, and quality. New technologies were applied to save water, minimize odors, and ensure hygiene safety for users. Today, public toilets are not just places for waste disposal but have become modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly spaces. |
