renowned japanese architect shigeru ban has completed two public toilets as part of the tokyo toilet project. located inside the city’s yo yogi fukamachi mini park and the haru-no-ogawa community park, the public conveniences have been designed with two key points in mind — cleanliness and security — two aspects we all take into consideration when entering a public restroom.

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked
all images by satoshi nagare, courtesy of the nippon foundation

 

 

‘there are two things we worry about when entering a public restroom, especially those located at a park,’ comments shigeru ban on the tokyo toilet webpage. ‘the first is cleanliness, and the second is whether anyone is inside.’ by using the latest technology, ban’s entry for the tokyo toilet project features the latest, estate-of-the-art technology that turns opaque the exterior glass when the doors have been locked. this way, users can check the cleanliness of the bathroom, as well as if the stall is empty. at night, the facility lights up the park, referencing a lantern.

shigeru ban tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

 

 

divided into three cubicles, the colorful public toilets match the hues found on both parks, instantly becoming part of them. composed of women’s, men’s and an accessible facility bathroom, users can know if the toilets are empty from far away, as the glass exterior will be transparent if the bathroom is empty, making it particularly useful and safe at night.

shigeru ban tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

 

 

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.

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

shigeru ban's tokyo toilets feature an exterior glass that turns opaque when locked

 

 

project info:

 

name: yoyogi fukamachi mini park and haru-no-ogawa community park
location: tokyo, japan
design: shigeru ban
client: nippon foundation
status: complete/open
photography: satoshi nagare