# Communal Chalkboard Courtyards The Split Bathhouse Provides a Safe and Healthy Space to Wash By Meghan Young | Published 2011-08-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/split-bathhouse References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1664875/how-an-innovative-bathhouse-keeps-rural-china-healthy) & [bao-a](http://www.bao-a.com/) Living in Western societies that are rife with water and homes with personal bathrooms, it is hard to imagine a lifestyle that doesn't encourage regular showers; yet that is the case for many rural, Third World villages and the [Split Bathhouse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dry-spell) offers one way to change that. The [Split Bathhouse promotes feelings of community](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-care-community-center) so as to create a safe and healthy space to wash oneself. Designed by BaO Architects, the Split Bathhouse is located in China's Gansu province. More than simply convenient, the Split Bathhouse helps prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Although vaccines and clean water are the priority of some, it can be as simple as providing a [sanitary place to shower](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upfall-shower) that might alleviate many of the main health problems in developing countries. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Community Bathhouses:** The concept of community-based bathhouses can revolutionize the hygiene practices in developing countries by offering a safe, healthy and communal space for people to take a shower. - **Hygiene Promotion:** Promoting and educating people about the importance of sanitation and hygiene practices can lead to a reduction in waterborne diseases in developing countries and offer opportunities for businesses to develop innovative solutions. - **Sanitation Infrastructure:** Investing in the creation of sanitary infrastructures such as bathhouses can go a long way in improving overall health outcomes in developing countries and offering opportunities for businesses to innovate the delivery and management of such infrastructures. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** The design and construction of community bathhouses require innovative architectural solutions that are tailored to the unique cultural and environmental contexts of developing countries. - **Healthcare:** Providing reliable and quality healthcare services may require implementing innovative hygiene promotion strategies, which can involve partnering with governments, NGOs, or private entities to create value for stakeholders. - **Clean Energy:** The integration of clean energy solutions in the operation of community bathhouses or other sanitation infrastructures can provide sustainable, low-cost, and reliable power, which can create new business opportunities and promote environmental sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bathhouse Fundraising Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indooroutdoor-bathhouse-facility.md) - [Hammam-Inspired Sauna Cubicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logica-plus.md) - [Speedy Bathhouse Body Dryers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/at-the-same-time-body-dryer.md) - [Coastal Bright Red Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handegrd-arkitektur.md) - [Modern Bathhouse Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sauna-house.md) - [Culturally Influenced Residential Spas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dibdo-francis-kr.md) - [Housing Collective Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-comunidad-habitacional.md) - [Amorphous Public Restrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amoeba-public-restroom.md) - [Closed-Loop Bathing Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upfall-shower.md)