Speculating Future of Public Toilets

The brief revolves around the speculative design of an inaccessible site, which stimulates my imagination and invites me to envision the unknown. The challenge lies in speculating about a hidden space, and I developed a personal methodology to guide this process. I began by exploring the meaning of “host,” focusing on keywords like “belongingness” and “interdependency,” which shaped the vision of my project. My aim is to create a site that fosters a sense of belonging and interdependence between the space and its users.

The site’s hidden lane and underground placement sparked curiosity, prompting me to explore the unknown elements that drive intrigue. Reflecting on mundane yet unconventional life experiences, I researched “spatial hidden arts,” which provided insights for my design intervention. Influenced by Sigmund Freud’s Uncanny and Mark Fisher’s The Weird and the Eerie, I explored how unfamiliar or concealed elements can redefine interior spaces, without being eerie but intriguing in unexpected ways.

Focusing on discomfort, I analyzed the functional elements of toilets, questioning their intent and societal norms around gender segregation. This led to the idea of concealing all toilet functions and proposing a new system based on use (e.g., toilet or grooming zones), rather than gender.

My project seeks to revolutionize public toilet design by introducing unconventional interiors, transforming these spaces into community-centered "third places" within the built environment. Drawing inspiration from Jack Sim Juek Wah’s philosophy—“If we don’t talk about it, we won’t improve”—the design aims to spark open conversations and propose innovative approaches to upgrade public toilet design, challenging traditional perceptions and fostering inclusivity.