Ifah Sakinah
Image credit: Tokyo Toilet.jp
Tokyo’s popular district is now home to an unconventional attraction: transparent public toilets.
Two new sets of entirely see-through toilets, with three cubicles, have been plonked in the city’s Shibuya neighbourhood at the Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park. They are not far off from the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Design of the transparent public toilets
Image credit: Tokyo Toilet.jp
While the facade of the transparent public toilet is outrageous, it is made with a special “smart” glass that serves a functional purpose. Upon engaging the lock, it offers users privacy by instantly switching the surface from transparent to opaque. That way, one can do his business in peace – without worrying about the prying eyes of curious passersby.
But, the question as to the need of a transparent tinted glass for a public amenity certainly arises. Well, public toilets are notorious for being dirty and unsanitary. Even in Japan, where it is reputable for its cleanliness.
Many harbour a phobia of using a restroom in public, or find it an altogether gross experience. This innovation takes the edge off a common type of fear. The clear exterior allows users to have a peek inside to determine the cleanliness of the toilet without even coming into contact with it.
The brainchild behind this stroke of genius is Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban.
“There are two things we worry about when entering a public restroom, especially those located at a park,” says a statement on the project’s official website, Tokyo Toilet.jp. “The first is cleanliness, and the second is whether anyone is inside.”
“This allows users to check the cleanliness and whether anyone is using the toilet from the outside,” it said.
Over and above that, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern at night.
Also read: Japan is Opening a Luxury Campsite Inspired by Princess Mononoke
Tokyo Toilet Project
These transparent public toilets are part of Nippon Foundation’s ‘THE TOKYO TOILET’ project. It aims to incorporate advanced designs to make public toilets more accessible for everyone. As such, 17 public toilets located in Shibuya have been renovated.
It comes as no surprise that the glass rendition of Shigeru Ban is the spotlight amongst other designs. Who is ready to relieve himself at this transparent public toilet in Tokyo?
