TOILET INTERVENTION
>Bartlett School of Architecture x Tate Modern>Semester-long
The sink is a multi-level design that ties into the art exhibited at the Tate Britain that is of a more classical sculptural taste. The dips and curves in its perimeter serve as a multi-level basin that serves people of different abilities by offering space for more than one person at each faucet and different access heights. Their use is designed to make the user slightly uncomfortable, and therefore not extending their time in the space.
Disability rises above categories and frameworks. The varied stall sizes allows the user to identify their own needs, better catered to the different bodies and uses inside washroom space, including special access, family, needing to tend to period blood, breastfeeding, and administering medical procedures such as insulin.
The circular washing area accentuates the division while also acting as a corridor, what limits its social use. This creates a less intimidating environment for anyone with anxiety surrounding around the communal aspect of toilets. Some toilet stalls include sinks, creating safe space for those uncomfortable with the communal elements of the larger sink area and in the interest of Jewish Orthodox or Muslim women, whose religion prohibits them from exposing parts of their body they may feel the need to clean in case of any accident.
The unisex nature of the space is reinforced by its mitigation of sex-specific perceptions of the use of toilet space, such as socializion, reclusion, privacy and unspken rules. The lack of urinals combats the assumption men do not deserve the same privacy as women.
The toilet is quiet with dim lights to discourage chatting and create a safe space for neurodivergent people. The full thick wall furthers the sense of privacy and the blue of the tile is soothing and associated with water, health and hygiene. It also contrasts with skin tones and is therefore a complementary background color for deaf signing.
Experimenting with Bending and Rotation/ Understanding its design within the Tate’s Architecture.