When you first observe this ribbon urinal, you may not comprehend what it is. So completely divergent from your standard plumbing fixture, this is a continuous bank of sinks and drains that can accommodate several users at once.
It almost looks as though pegs were driven into the wall and a lengthy stretch of fabric has been draped over them, creating undulations that behave like perfect basins. The shallow upper dips serve as sinks; meanwhile the lower and deeper ones are there for the user to relieve himself.
Now take a look at the liquid flowing between the slumps in this mounted urinal ribbon. The Huaqiao University designers brilliantly propose a grey water reusing system that goes from hand-washing to toilet-flushing. No wonder it received an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Red Dot Design Awards.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Water-reuse Systems in Toilets
- The development of an affordable and scalable water-reuse system in toilets could significantly reduce water waste and create more sustainable bathroom designs.
- Sculptural Bathroom Fixtures
- Sculptural bathroom fixtures, like the ribbon urinals, create visually interesting spaces while also providing practical applications of water conservation.
- Multipurpose Bathroom Fixtures
- The ribbon urinals demonstrate the potential for multipurpose bathroom fixtures that can serve multiple users and functions in a single design.
Where This Applies
- Plumbing Industry
- The plumbing industry has the opportunity to create and market affordable and scalable water-reuse systems for toilets, promoting water conservation and creating more sustainable bathroom designs.
- Design Industry
- The design industry can explore the potential for creating visually interesting and sculptural bathroom fixtures that also provide practical applications for water conservation and sustainability.
- Hospitality Industry
- The hospitality industry can benefit from incorporating multipurpose bathroom fixtures, such as ribbon urinals, to maximize space and provide efficient facilities for guests.
