Public restrooms get their artistic archive
Restroom Archive project documents overlooked spaces of daily life
1Overlooked spaces of everyday life
Public restrooms are often quickly abandoned due to hygiene concerns and uncomfortable elements. However, designer Jake Welch launched the Restroom Archive project in 2023 to highlight their social importance. The project aims to document human creativity and authenticity in moments when no one is watching.
2A globally participatory archive
Restroom Archive contains detailed records of nearly 100 public restrooms across 36 cities in the US and Europe. Facilities from various venues like restaurants, gas stations, and cafes have been documented by over 250 volunteer archivists. The project continues to grow with open participation from anyone interested.
3Technology-assisted documentation
The project uses LIDAR-based Polycam app for spatial recording. Volunteers create 3D scans of restrooms while adding location information and detailed descriptions. Step-by-step guides on the project website make the process accessible even for those without technical expertise, democratizing the documentation process.
4Recording artistic details
Each restroom in the archive is meticulously documented, from wall colors to door details. For instance, one entry describes a graffiti-covered faculty restroom at Spain's University of the Basque Country, noting its speckled tile floor and multilingual warning signs. This approach reveals the artistic potential of mundane spaces.
5Importance of public architecture
The project emphasizes the critical role of public restrooms in urban planning. These spaces are vital for accessibility and meeting basic human needs. Welch's work demonstrates that often-overlooked infrastructure elements need reconsideration from design and functionality perspectives.
6Reflection of cultural differences
The archived restrooms showcase cultural approaches across different countries. Regional variations in cleanliness standards and decoration concepts become readable through these ordinary spaces. The project provides valuable data for urban planners by enabling global comparisons.
7Changing social perceptions
Restroom Archive aims to transform negative perceptions about public facilities. While highlighting their societal importance, the project also raises awareness for improving their design and functionality. Welch hopes this work will encourage more thoughtful approaches to everyday public spaces.
8The extraordinary in the ordinary
The Restroom Archive project gives new meaning to mundane spaces by documenting them. This work shows how architectural design shapes human experience while serving as inspiration for urban planners and designers. It stands as an innovative documentation example that emphasizes the importance of social infrastructure.
Original article: Popular Science — Halka açık tuvaletlerin sanatsal arşivi