kubo tsushima places minimalist public toilet in a japanese parking lot

kubo tsushima places minimalist public toilet in a japanese parking lot
all images © koji fujii / nacasa & partners.inc.

in the town of nakanojo, kubo tsushima architects has revitalized the ‘isemachi public toilet’ based on the corner of a parking lot adjacent to the historical ringshoji temple. the brief called for the lavatory to be a recognized symbol during the town’s art festival ‘nakanojo biennial’ and at the same time, be a fresh and inviting amenity unlike ordinary public toilets in the country.

the public toilet is based on the corner of a parking lot to a historic attraction of the town

taking two months to construct, the materials and shape were considered to conjure an image of cleanliness. the corrugated white walls are curved, and by getting rid of corners this prevents dark shadows and the collection of dust or insects. the floorplan is shaped like an ‘S’ with a skylight used for natural illumination. this particular floorplan allows an equal distance between the man and woman’s lavatories and a more accessible flow of people from both sides of the street.

the walls are corrugated and curved

by not using corners, this stops dark shadows being created and makes for a more inviting space

a skylight is used for light

the materials and color was chosen to instill an image of cleanliness

WC to be a recognizable symbol during the town’s art festival ‘nakanojo biennial’

view from the street

the building is minimal in design and measures at 10 square meters

the contemporary and simplistic scheme contrasts with the local town buildings

the ‘S’ shaped floorplan