Walk in the Woods is the latest addition to the Tokyo Toilet Project. Designed by Kengo Juma, the public restrooms are part of the city's endeavor to replace public squat toilets with new state-of-the-art designs. Part of the motivation for the project is the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The architectural firm designed the ninth Tokyo Toilet as five separate huts connected by a stepped walkway. Kuma explains that "by dividing each section into separate buildings, we created a public toilet village that is open, breezy, and easy to pass through." This design is inspired by a post-pandemic world. Surrounded by the lush greenery of Nabeshimo Shoto Park, the huts are covered with Yoshino cedar board louvers to create an organic look.
State-of-the-Art Greenery Toilets
Kengo Kuma Made Walk in the Woods for the Tokyo Toilet Project
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Public Restrooms - The Tokyo Toilet Project's emphasis on state-of-the-art and eco-friendly designs can inspire more sustainable public restroom projects, particularly in urban areas.
2. Modular Restroom Designs - The modular design of Walk in the Woods, featuring separate buildings connected by a walkway, can encourage the development of more modular public restroom designs that are easy to install and maintain.
3. Biophilic Public Restrooms - The use of natural materials and incorporation of greenery in Walk in the Woods' design suggests a trend towards biophilic public restroom architecture, providing natural spaces for restroom users.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - The Tokyo Toilet Project and designs like Walk in the Woods offer opportunities for architecture and design firms to create more innovative and sustainable public restroom designs.
2. Urban Planning - As urban areas strive to become more sustainable and accommodating, initiatives like the Tokyo Toilet Project can provide inspiration for incorporating sustainable and modern public toilets in urban planning.
3. Sustainability and Eco-friendly Products - The trend towards eco-friendly and sustainable public restrooms can inspire companies to develop sustainable products and technologies that can be incorporated in public restroom designs.