fumihiko maki designs the 'squid toilet' in tokyo with a courtyard and curved roof

with a design that is playful yet safe, fumihiko maki has recently completed the ‘squid toilet’ as part of an initiative to redesign public restrooms across shibuya, japan. built in ebisu east park, maki’s light and bright park pavilion joins the likes of shigeru ban, masamichi katayama, and nao tamura – who have all participated in the ‘tokyo toilet‘ project.

a ‘squid toilet’ inside a park known as ‘octopus park’

affectionately known as ‘octopus park’ because of the red, octopus-shaped slide, ebisu east park is a popular place for local residents to take their children to play. when designing a new public toilet, the pritzker prize winning architect therefore considered how it could be used and decided to provide not only restroom facilities, but also a pavilion-like building: ‘we wanted this facility to function not only as a public restroom but as a public space that serves as a park pavilion equipped with a rest area,’ says fumihiko maki.

the semi-transparent booth in the back right is the wash stand

maki continues, ‘thinking about a variety of users, from children to people on their way to work, we wanted to create a safe and comfortable space that uses a decentralized layout to allow for good sight lines throughout the facility.’ the central courtyard effectively breaks up what would otherwise be a heavy mass, affording an element of transparency that makes people feel safer as they come and go. the four separate volumes are instead connected by a curved roof plane, which adds a touch of playfulness in keeping with the park. the roof also promotes ventilation and natural light, creating a bright and clean environment for all users. 

exterior view from the front

this project by the nippon foundation aims for the realization of a society where all kinds of diversity are accepted, by building public toilets. with the full cooperation of shibuya city, 17 toilets that are accessible for anyone regardless of gender, age, or disability will be created. through the power of design and the creativity of 16 creators who support the objectives of this project, the nippon foundation is demonstrating what this new society can achieve. the toilets will be constructed by daiwa house industry co., ltd., while toto ltd. will advise on toilet equipment and layout.

sunlight filters through the frosted glass between the roof and walls

a beautifully curved roof

view from the street

courtyard in the center

baby seat inside the men’s toilet

multipurpose toilet cubicle

there is also a bench to rest on

project info:

project name: squid toilet
location: ebisu east park, tokyo, japan
design: fumihiko maki
client: nippon foundation
structural design: KAP
status: complete/open