Tokyo’s See-Through Public Toilets Let People See How Clean They Are Before Entering

 

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While some people might try to entirely avoid using public bathrooms, sometimes it’s necessary to brave whatever’s behind restroom doors. Understanding people’s concerns with entertaining the unknown, Tokyo has just installed two see-through bathroom facilities in public parks, allowing people to see how clean they are before deciding to use them.

You’re probably thinking there’s no way you would use a public bathroom that’s see-through (even if it’s incredibly clean). However, these particular restrooms are made from “smart glass” that turns opaque when the bathroom is locked and occupied. Designed by Shigeru Ban, the stalls are part of a project organized by the nonprofit Nippon Foundation, titled The Tokyo Toilet. The project asked 16 different artists to redesign 17 public bathrooms throughout the district of Shibuya, in the hopes of making them more accessible and appealing.

One set of Ban’s see-through stalls can be found at Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and the other at Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park. The clever design fights the assumption that public toilets are “dark, dirty, smelly, and scary,” and they’re even available to anyone, regardless of disability. These colorful lavatories are not only practical, but they look great, too. At night, they light up “like a beautiful lantern.”

Tokyo has just installed two see-through bathrooms in public parks, allowing people to see how clean they are before deciding to use them.

 

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Designed by Shigeru Ban, the stalls feature “smart glass” that turns opaque when the bathroom is locked and occupied.

 

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The Tokyo Toilet: Website
h/t: [Geekologie]

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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