System Solutions for Stadiums

More sophisticated structures call for high design with durable and safe performance
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By Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
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Specifying Restroom Accessories

Achieving the desired performance in restrooms and locker rooms can often come down to the specifications for the products and components installed. Here are some things to be aware of when looking at ways to achieve the needed performance for a sampling of such products.

  • Partitions: There are a lot of material choices in this product category, including stainless steel, solid plastic, phenolic, powder-coated metal, and even plastic laminate. It may turn out that even within the same stadium, different restrooms might need partitions made out of different materials. In that case, it is ideal to find a single supplier that can provide partitions in all the needed materials to eliminate any logistical confusion in coordination, while also making it very easy for the facility manager to follow up with only one supplier. For increased moisture resistance, the best choice in stadiums are phenolic and solid plastic partitions. Phenolic partitions (i.e., comprised of a melamine sheet on each side of multiple layers of resin-impregnated kraft paper) also provide superior strength and durability. Solid plastic (HDPE) partitions are environmentally safe as well as mildew, rust, graffiti, and impact resistant. Both are available in a variety of colors. In some lower-use or more private areas within a stadium, stainless steel partitions or even the newer plastic laminate partitions with more elegant and robust edge banding may be preferred.

  • Lockers: For many sports stadiums, the locker rooms get a lot of use and even abuse. Therefore, high-quality locker systems and storage products designed for use in athletic facilities that are made of rugged and durable materials are the best choice in these settings. That may mean that phenolic or solid plastic (HDPE) products should be selected.

  • Shower stalls: When it comes to showers in locker rooms, there are several trends pushing for updating the way these are designed. First are changing social and safety issues that have called for replacing “gang showers” popular since the 1960s with private shower stalls. In new facilities, private stalls, with or without private changing areas, are becoming more common for both men’s and women’s locker rooms, while existing facilities are being renovated to include them. Next are health concerns, particularly over outbreaks of the bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in sports and athletic facilities, causing sickness and even death in some cases. While diligence in cleaning is warranted, so is eliminating the places where the bacteria can grow, which is sometimes in the grout between tile used in locker rooms. Hence, the use of more sanitary solid surface materials that are continuous with a minimum of joints is preferred. Because the solid surface sheets are larger than tile, they can cover the entire wall of a shower stall without any joints except at the corners, which can be sealed with a non-organic (and non-bacteria harboring) sealant.

  • Soap-dispensing system: One of the challenges for the facility management team in a stadium is to keep consumables filled while the stadium is in use. That includes keeping up with soap dispensers in restrooms. Thankfully, there are products available to make that task easy and cost effective. At least one manufacturer has developed a multi-feed, top-fill soap-dispensing system where a maintenance person can refill up to six soap dispensers at once using a fill-port located on the counter top. This saves time and money because no one needs to go under the sink or fill each individual soap dispenser.

  • High-speed hand dryers: In order to reduce waste, help keep restrooms cleaner, and provide a quick drying solution, high-speed hand dryers can work quite well in stadiums. Some have developed technology that will dry hands completely in as little as 12 seconds or less and help to keep the floor dry. At least one has avoided any water collection within the unit by using a moisture management system. This includes a triple-layer filter to capture particles, combat odor, and eliminate 99 percent of bacteria, all of which creates a more hygienic, pleasant hand-drying option.

  • Combination units: These systems are comprised of a paper towel dispenser with a waste receptacle and automatic electric hand dryer. Single stainless steel units that provide a paper towel dispenser and waste receptacle have been available for some time. They have the benefit of keeping the paper usage and waste all in one location in a compact and convenient design. It is now possible to specify a unit that also includes a high-speed electric automatic hand dryer in addition to the dispenser and waste receptacle. This puts everything in one place and can allow for greater control of the flow of users and the drying process.

Paying attention to the details of the available products and systems on the market allows a restroom design to be optimized for users, maintenance, and cost effectiveness.

Photos of restroom accessories.

Images courtesy of ASI Group

A wide range of restroom accessories are available that help patrons use them quickly and maintenance staff operate them efficiently, including combination towel dispenser, hand dryer, and trash units, high-speed hand dryers, and multi-fill soap dispensers.

Conclusion

As architects continue to design new and renovated stadiums and arenas, the emerging and variable needs of owners and users will continue to be made known. Addressing the public, private, and restroom areas are all important and require that the design team pay attention to details with good, reliable information from manufacturers.

End Notes

1Komisarchik, Mayya M. and Fenn, Aju J. “Trends in Stadium and Arena Construction, 1995–2015.” SSRN Electronic Journal. Department of Economics and Business, Colorado College. April 2010. Web. 27 March 2017. www.researchgate.net/publication/228304465_Trends_in_Stadium_and_Arena_Construction_1995-2015.

2“Trends Influencing Stadium and Arena Design.” Thought Leadership: Design. HO+K. Reprinted with permission from PanStadia & Arena Management. Web. 10 April 2017. www.hok.com/thought-leadership/trends-in-stadium-and-arena-design/.


Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a practicing architect, green building consultant, continuing education presenter, and prolific author engaged nationwide in advancing building performance through better design. www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch



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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in May 2017


Notice

Academies
System Solutions for Stadiums
Buyer's Guide
TRI-Umph™ High-Speed Hand Dryer
A unique moisture management system makes TRI-Umph™ hygienic and safe by preventing stagnant water (a source for bacterial growth) and water spills (safety hazards). A triple HEPA filter fights odor and eliminates 99 percent of airborne bacteria. The product is fast (12-second drying), quiet (65–69.8 dBA), and cost effective ($26 annual electricity cost).
American Specialties
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Endurant® Washroom Systems
Endurant® Washroom Systems, a division of Inpro®, fortifies washrooms against commercial demands. Our BioPrism® Solid Surface shower surrounds, receptors, and toilet partitions provide a beautiful alternative to traditional tile that can cut days off installation. And unlike grout, solid surface doesn’t harbor mold or mildew, so washrooms stay cleaner longer.
NanaWall Opening Glass Walls
NanaWall Systems provides a wide range of opening glass walls for commercial environments that stand up to the daily commercial grind as well as the challenges of wind, water, extreme temperatures, forced entry, impact, and structural load.
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