"Dotonbori Landmark"

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     This is a proposal for a public toilet competition (unsuccessful) in Dotonbori, Osaka. Dotonbori has a vibrant urban landscape with clusters of small commercial buildings. We propose a landmark that is unique to this location, making use of the historical Ebisubashi pillar.

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     Ebisubashi Bridge, the symbol of Dotonbori, is an attractive place where many people gather because of its characteristic shape. Using the circular shape of the Ebisubashi Bridge as a motif, the restrooms have a circular grid that spreads like ripples on the surface of the water, creating an attractive urban landscape that is integrated with the Ebisubashi Bridge.

 

     In order to realize an energy-saving and comfortable toilet, each area of ​​the toilet is segmented into a tower shape, and the difference in height allows for natural lighting and ventilation, realizing a bright and comfortable toilet. The tallest tower serves as a corner landmark facing the Ebisubashi Bridge, and the opening at the top promotes natural ventilation, and at night, the light leaking from the inside illuminates the city like a lighthouse in the harbor.

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     Since the site is so small, we propose a steel plate structure with no pillars and a thin wall as the structure. By finishing the outer wall with colored mortar, it becomes a fire-resistant structure and a sculptural exterior created by human hands, making it a small landmark on the street corner.

 

     As consideration for the large number of users in downtown areas and sexual minorities, we proposed installing a genderless toilet booth instead of a men-only toilet, with toilet booths equipped with private wash basins to increase privacy.