“Let us know more about our Toilet Story”
Date: 18 April 2024 (Thu) 18:00-20:00 JST
- Presenter
- Mr. Taku Takada (Chief Leader of Architectural Technology Group, Building Business Department, Metropolitan Business Headquarters, KANDEN Realty & Development Co., Ltd.)
- Moderator
- Mikiko Takahashi, Ph.D. (Director of JTA, Manager of R&D Division of Comany Inc.)
Lecture summary
(Moderator: Takahashi)
We will hold the 34th “Let us know more about our Toilet Story.” Today’s theme is “Future office toilets reflecting user needs.” The speaker is Mr. Takada from KANDEN Realty & Development Co., Ltd. His activity was conferred the Incentive Award at 2023 JTA Toilet Awards. It has received high rating from the judges of A. Prof. Komatsu and Prof. Nagasawa.
Takada
Today, I would like to talk about the future of office toilets with an example of the toilets in Yaesu Building reflecting the user needs.
Firstly, I will provide an overview of KANDEN Realty & Development Co., Ltd. Yaesu Building. The building is located about 10-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. It is a medium-sized office building with 13 stories and a total floor area of approximately 13,000 square metres. It was completed in May 2022. There is a convenience store on the ground floor. The main usage of this building is as the offices. It has now been one year passed after the tenant construction moved in and got started.
There are two main features of this building. The first one is an installation of the office kitchen. It has been common to have a kitchenette in a corner of the corridor, when it is to install in an office. However, we have placed a kitchen in a private area adjacent to the office space in this building in order to promote the communication both inside and outside of the tenant companies. The second feature is an open terrace space of approximately 250 square metres on the roof. This is also used as a place for interaction among the tenant companies.
There are three main development concepts for this building. The first point is “An office that proposes new work styles.” The work style innovation had already begun to be called for, when the plan was first drawn up in 2018 before the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored what the future style of the offices will be. The second point is “Energy conservation and environmental initiatives.” The third point is “Enhancing BCP (Business Continuity Plan) measures.” Addition to the work styles innovation by the office kitchen and terrace, another point is “Concern for the diversity.” Now we must consider in the office design for the various forms of the diversity, such as health status, gender, nationality, and religion. The highlight of this building is that we tried to design the toilets with these issues.
Now on, I will explain the toilets on the standard floor at the office floor. The floor has an area of approximately 850 square metres with gender separate toilet areas located on either side of the lift. The women’s toilet area is designed with multi-functionality with three cubicles and three washbasins. There are set two types of powder spaces of the counter type and dresser type, a bowl for the brushing teeth, a changing room, and the private boxes. The men’s toilet area is also equipped with the washbasins, urinals, and cubicles, as well as the private boxes and a toothbrush bowl. Nowadays many men are brushing their teeth at the office hour. A unique feature is the area for the washing hands and for the brushing teeth will not cross on the flow line.
The women’s toilet area was designed this layout from the results of considerations during the planning process. It is focused on the comfort, aiming to create the toilet that would alleviate congestion issues and meet a variety of needs, such as the brushing teeth, putting on makeup, and changing clothes. However, a particularly issue was how to keep the makeup space. Shall it be in a separate space from the toilet or set within it? Also, is a changing space truly necessary? Can a fitting board be used on behalf? We discussed them several times so far. We created many different plans through discussions. We also heard directly from those who would actually be using the space. We held interviews with users who would be the liaisons with the tenant companies.
We asked for the motive opinions and collected many valuable comments while referring to the other building examples. They are such as a fitting board being difficult to use, it would be better that the powder space would be integrated into the washbasin rather than separated and the necessity for a shelf to put their bags. We also found that users prefer a space where they can relax and touch up their makeup without worrying about other people concern. Moreover, they often tend to use the toilet when arriving at work or before going out.
We finally adopted the plan mentioned above with considering these requests. We ensured there was enough space by combining the sink and powder areas into the same area, even when it was crowded, and that users can place their bags there. Instead of fitting boards, we provided the changing rooms. They can be instantly converted into toilets when it is urgently necessary to increase the toilet cubicles. We also installed the private boxes in the men’s toilet space because there were needs to store their toothbrush.
Another new initiative trial in this building is the “Restroom+” on the first floor. These are two all-gender cubicles in the different locations. A wheelchair-accessible toilet cubicle has been set separately. “Restroom+” is a large space private cubicle where the users can touch up their makeup and change clothes.
This initiative was the care for the diversity issues. The aiming is to meet the needs of some users who feel it difficult to use the toilets on their office floors by some reason such as the sexual minorities. According to a survey by LIXIL company and Rainbow Diversity group, about half of the sexual minorities responded that they would use the gender separated toilets if they can freely choose. About 30% of them also replied that they would like to use the toilet named “Toilets for Everyone” which is a wheelchair accessible multi-functional toilet. We found from these survey results that some users feel it difficult to use the gender separated toilets in the working place. Then we aimed to provide a space that can be used without stress in this building, just like an atmosphere of the toilets in the cafes or convenience stores. These toilets are located on the first floor facing the main street, and are restricted to use by the workers of the building and protected by the gates to ensure the security.
The idea of the name “Restroom+” is to provide more functionality than the ordinary toilets on the office floors and to improve the performance of the workers. We designed signs to be clearly identified that it is an all-gender toilet.
Now, the results of an actual user survey were introduced. Firstly, nearly 70% of them answered that it is substantial in response to the question of whether the comfort of the toilet affects their motivation at work. It seems that toilets are not just a place to excrement, but there are much more meaning in it. How exactly do the office workers use the toilets? The top answers were for the mental refreshment, such as “taking a break” or “calming down the mind,” as well as physical relax, such as “stretching.” These mean that toilets are also used as a place to refresh or take a break. Many of them also answered that they used there their smartphone.
Then why many users will do such behaviours in the toilet cubicles? The major reason was that it was a place where they could be alone. The cubicle is an essential space where one can be alone, not just like at home with the family or in the office. It is a few places where one can spend time by solely oneself without bothering by others. I felt that there still existed needs for the ingenuity to meet this potential need.
Additionally, there was a question about a hand dryer. As expected, many users switched to the paper towels during COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer than 20% of them always use the hand dryer and more than half of those answered “I don’t use them” with the reasons that “I use a paper towel or my handkerchief instead” and “I’m worried about infectious of the diseases.” The survey results will inform that our habits have changed over the past few years by COVID-19 pandemic. Presumably we are required to take action in the future.
We also investigated the usage conditions of “Restroom+.” Approximately 40% of both men and women have used it before with 60 users per day. The most common reason for using it was to check their appearance which may be due to the fact that more men are now using it for the makeup and skin care. What was notable was the difference in preferences for interior design between men and women. Men preferred a chic “Luxury” design, while women did a bright “Natural” design. It seems that even when it comes to the same toilet, men and women favour different designs.
Along with these matters, we have also come across issues such as concerns about the odour and hygiene, and use carelessly forgetting the cubicle door to lock. Based on these opinions, we have installed the deodorizing aromas and increased the frequency of cleaning, as well as improved the signage emphasizes the location of the key. By including these results, we have created an evolved version of “Restroom+” at KANDEN Realty & Development Co., Ltd. Shibuya Building, which was completed in February 2024. These improvements reflect the users’ needs, such as increasing the distance between the toilet bowl and the washbasin, powder area, suppressing odours, automatically open or close the toilet seat, and occupied room signs. We are still looking for the improvement points in “Restroom+.”
After this, we would like to ask you all to fill out a simple questionnaire. The purpose of this is to consider about what kind of the future toilets shall be. They are simple questions and make us introduce the requests on it.
The examples of the questions are “Do you use the toilet for any purposes other than the excretion?”, “What kind of the action?”, “Where do you it?” and “Why do it in the toilet?” Next, I would like to ask if they are actually dissatisfied with the current toilet, and what is the stress point that is suffering to them?
We would like to know the actual real usage of it. We would like to exchange the opinions on the challenges involved. Particularly the cubicles are surrounded by the walls where one can be solitude. The users will carry out various activities by themselves. We will collect any information about the users who will do something by themselves,
Q&A
(Q1: Takahashi)
We would like to share the results of Mr. Takada’s survey. 66.7% of respondents told they use the office toilets for purposes other than the excretion. There were many cases where workers used the cubicles for their relaxation, such as taking a break, calming their mind, or stretching the body. The reasons given for doing these activities in the toilet were “I wish to be alone” and “it is difficult to be solitude either at home or in the office.” How do you think about the results the toilets are used for the purposes other than the excretion?
(A1: Takada)
What we learned from the survey of the actual toilet usage was that toilets were not only a place to defecate, but also, they were actually used to take a rest the mind or body. We feel that toilets are essential place for the office workers as the separated spaces that can use freely. One idea would be to provide the cubicles just to relax features based on the needs of the users. On the other hand, we also think that it would be better to make a place separated from the toilet where workers can take a break without any hesitation. On the contrary, there may be situations where a refreshment space may be regarded as an opportunity to slack off and they may feel guilty to use it.
(Q2: Takahashi)
I agree. Even if a dedicated rest area is provided, it would be a bit difficult to use. Perhaps it may also be useful for resting, because a toilet cubicle is a highly convenient space. I think this is a thought-provoking point when considering the pure function of the toilet. Professor KA from the venue asked whether wheelchair-accessible toilets may be more suitable for the relaxing. How do you think on the psychological hurdles involved in using wheelchair-accessible toilets for resting compared to the regular cubicles?
(A2: Takada)
As you point out, the wheelchair accessible toilet offers an ample space, and it is the best place to relax. However, many will feel psychologically reluctant to occupy them for their resting purpose as it is set aside for the specific users, such as the wheelchair users. There is also the possibility that users will feel guilty about selfishly converting a space intended a different use, which may bother their relaxation. In that sense, it is spontaneous to think that regular cubicles are more comfortable to use for them.
(Q3: Takahashi)
I have often heard the users say that they feel psychologically hesitant to use the wheelchair accessible toilets. I feel it is important to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of those issues by them so that they can use them for their intended purpose. A question has been raised from the participants on the floor about the number of the cubicles in men’s toilets. I heard that the men’s toilets in Yaesu Building have the number of cubicles as same as the urinals. Is this a recent design trend? Also, please tell us the reason why on this.
(A3: Takada)
It was assumed at Yaesu Building that the proportion of male users might be more than female users. It may have appeared that the number of cubicles was intentionally set more taking into account the characteristics of the area. However, there were needs by the male users who preferred to relieve themselves in a cubicle. The population ratio of men to women in the offices becomes roughly equal, and we think that the idea of the appropriate number of the toilet bowls will be necessary to reconsider.
(Q4: Takahashi)
It is a quite interesting talk. The appropriate number of the toilet bowls must be flexible and adjusted according to the situations around the office. It is necessary to ensure the number of the cubicles including the privacy and comfort. Do you feel something when hearing the office workers? Have you heard any opinions about the toilets? Please tell us any specific episodes within the extent possible.
(A4: Takada)
We received a lot of the feedbacks from the office workers about the cleaning and maintenance. Particularly a comment was that a cleaning staff sometimes came into and met users. We realized that it is necessary to prepare a flexible operational rule that can be adapted to usage conditions, such as setting cleaning schedules that avoid the busy times. It is necessary not only to improve the facilities, but also to create a good management system to keep the toilets comfortable.
(Q5: Takahashi)
Dealing with the cases where cleaning timing and uses congested flow lines provided the important suggestions for the improving operations. The operational approach is also essential to maintain the comfort of the toilet. Today we learned your sincere attitude to listen to each and user requests to improve the toilet atmosphere. Even negligible small one may be important issues for the users. We understand now that it is most important to make constant efforts in both the facilities and the operations so that office workers can use the toilets more comfortably. We have also received some other questions. KA asked about the maintenance by the equipment manufacturers.
(A5: Takada)
I would like to request the toilet equipment manufacturers to put some more effort into developing products that address the shortage staffs of the cleaning. It is largely dependent on the user manners. Whereas, I would like to expect some improvements in the products that are easy to clean. For example, there are difficulties in dealing with the urine that has been daily splashed on the floor. That is hard to clean with the conventional tools. I hope for a technological breakthrough in collaboration with the manufacturers, such as the improved floor materials and the cleaning tools. It is also necessary to pursue the original performance of the toilet equipment, such as the water conservation and ease of use. I hope for comprehensive product development that will balance the easiness of the maintenance and stress-free for both users and cleaners. I hope that the building owners, designers, and manufacturers will collaborate and share their ideas to realize a comfortable toilet space.
(C6: KA)
Thank you, Mr. Takada for your insightful comments. As you said, it is essential to consider the ease of the maintenance when developing a toilet equipment. We need to come up with ideas that reduce the burden on cleaning staffs, as well as pursuing users’ satisfaction. I realized that the sense of balance is essential. We will carefully listen to the requirements of the field and try to resolve each issue one by one. Thank you for your valuable comments today.
(Q7: Takahashi)
Today’s discussion has inspired me a lot about the issues in developing and maintaining toilet equipment. The product design must take into account the perspectives of both users and cleaning staffs to introduce more comfortable toilet situation. I have realized the importance on these points. Next, Mr. KA has a question about the installation of the sanitary bins in men’s toilets. What do you think on creating an atmosphere for the ostomates and a variety of other users into consideration?
(A7: Takada)
As you point out, we recognize to set the sanitary bins in men’s toilets will become increasingly important. Creating an atmosphere where anyone can use it without any hesitation must be urgent matters nowadays. However, our company has not yet made sufficient progress in setting the sanitary bins in men’s toilet. We would like to ensure the enough cubicle numbers and also actively consider the equipment for the future. It is important to create an atmosphere where the office workers who come to the office every day with concerns about their health can work peacefully of mind. To achieve this, we strongly feel to reconsider the true function of the toilet space.
(C8: Takahashi)
A careful consideration is required to meet the diverse users’ needs. Their needs for installing sanitary bins in men’s toilet is actually more than estimated before. We have recognized the importance of this once again through this discussion. At the same time, how can we balance the enhancement of functionality with the operational load on the site? This is a difficult issue not only for the designers but also for the building owners. We need to think from the user’s perspective, consider and steadily make improvements. I believe that such efforts will enable us to create the comfortable toilet spaces for everyone.
(Q9: Takahashi)
HO-san pointed out that “when using the toilet, users feel more comfortable if there are no strangers there.” To keep the security that comes from having a fixed user at the office toilet may certainly be an important factor. HO-san’s suggestion to “mask the sound by playing ambient music instead of the toilet noise suppress device” is also convincing. What is your opinion on the relationship between user familiarity and their psychological comfort? We would also ask your ideas of applying the ambient music to suppress the noises.
(A9: Takada)
The sense of the security comes from having a fixed user and this is a unique feature of in office building toilets. It is likely that there are the more regular users, the more psychologically relief. We feel a little strange to see someone different from usual using the same toilet. Some people say that using different floor toilets makes feel something even within the same company. After all, it is a space that is deeply related to personal privacy, so creating an atmosphere where users can use it with peace of mind is an important point in designing.
It is necessary to install proper physical partitions, and operational considerations must be made to minimize the number of strangers entering there. The challenge is how to ensure to let them feel like “This is one’s own space.” We would like to carefully refine the design while taking into account the psychology of the users. We felt that the use of the ambient music to mask the excretion noise will be an interesting proposal that could lead a new idea. In particular, there is a strong psychological hesitation to making the excretion noises in public. If some kind of masking sound were played, this hesitation must be alleviated for some extent.
However, the sounds by “Toilet Noise Suppress Devices” may actually make the users feel embarrassed. The background music with a moderate volume with pleasant to listen may be optimum one. It might be an interesting endeavour to try and find the perfect music selection with taking into consideration how it matches with the atmosphere of the space. I believe that the pursuit of the comfort is an increasingly important factor in the design of the toilet spaces.
(Q10: Takahashi)
Thank you very much for your thought-provoking answers to each of the points. We learned precisely that it is of utmost importance to pay careful consideration to the psychological state of the users because the toilets are special spaces. Both the facilities and operational measures are necessary to ensure the privacy. The type of background music is also effective, since it directly permeates users’ comfort. Both of these are important points that are essential elements in creating a comfortable toilet environment.
Mr. Takada’s lecture today is impressed us the importance of taking the stance of user sides. It is important to listen carefully to the requests from the field and promptly address each issue one by one. I realized that the evolution of the toilet space can only be achieved through such steady effort steps.
Thank you for introducing the efficient insights for us today. We will keep in mind the many suggestions you have given us today and do our best to make toilets easier to use and more comfortable space.
