Coloring Impressions

The use of color to influence the perceived openness of a space can dramatically affect the experience in a public bathroom. When fully occupied, a public bathroom can seem claustrophobic or compressed, but good task lighting and use of color can enhance the space.

Most toilet partitions are available in a range of color options and powder-coated special effects finishes, which are visually interesting, and help hide fingerprints and marks. When used to enhance the design of the rest of the building by coordinating colors and textures as part of the detail, color selection is very important.

Toilet Partition Accessories

Researching appropriate accessories and hardware, and checking the shear stress capacity of each is important for specifying coat hooks and related items. Coat hooks for hanging outer garments when using the rest room should be provided. Often, the hook is too small to support the size and weight of a long, heavy coat. Sometimes the coat hook is stressed to the maximum degree, and gives way or completely shears off under the extreme pressure placed upon it by too many heavy, hanging packages and improper use. Some coat hook designs feature solid-cast zinc hooks and oversized black rubber bumpers that function as both doorstop and bag hook. From well-anchored coat hooks to purse shelves, hardware attachments are the primary accessory in the toilet partition system.

Some bathroom designs call for the use of air-freshening systems and air-circulation accessories to be installed between individual partitions. Fans to exhaust air and increased fresh-air circulation measures help, but the entire room should be taken into consideration for proper humidity control, and total air and heat exchanges.

Architects can specify products for air-drying machines, paper dispensers, shelves, changing surfaces, racks, and towel dispensers. Additional coordinated accessories include amenities such as sanitary disposals, wall-mounted garbage receptacles, hand dryers, toilet paper dispensers, and sanitary toilet seat cover dispensers. Without these accessories, public rest room design does not achieve the expected comfort and convenience. A sophisticated audience, the general public has come to recognize and expect high standards in the design of public rest rooms.

Virginia A. Greene, AIA, president of New York-based Virginia A. Greene, Architect, PC, is an author and frequently writes about design.