While the film has many touching and thought-provoking aspects, it is impossible not to be surprised by the aesthetics of the toilets. Hirayama, a cleaning worker, thoroughly cleans different public toilets in Tokyo during the day. While watching the movie, as we move from one toilet to another, we stop the flow and start examining the toilet structures. Each one of them is so different and special that as the toilets change, our professional deformation comes to light. How can such good design toilets come together? We architects who think like this are actually learning that the film is a part of the project: “The Tokyo Toilet”
In the narration of the project creator Koji Yanai, we see that one of his goals was to shoot an art film, and accordingly, he made an agreement with the film director Wim Wenders and brought the film to life. Collaborating with The Tokyo Toilet (TTT), an art project, Wim Wenders' film attracted great attention by being shown for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival. Lead actor Koji Yakusho was awarded the best actor award at Cannes for the film. The purpose of the film is to show the toilet structures and the idea of exit that came to life within the scope of the project, in a documentary form. In the project, toilet structures were built in different parts of the city by working with sixteen architects and designers. The design logic and context of all of them are linked to their location. Details of all projects can be accessed on the website https://tokyotoilet.jp/en/.
With the construction of the Toilets, which are called "the smallest of the public space structures", the aim was to convey the hospitable spirit of Japanese culture in the best way possible. The starting point of the project, inspired by the Paralympics, is to create bright, safe and accessible spaces. In this regard, accessible public toilets are built for the disabled, women and children, showing the clean and orderly face of Japan. Places visited publicly through toilets are becoming new iconic places that the world watches.
As Koji Yanai said, there are times when we are very busy when we do not eat or sleep, but there is no time when we do not go to the toilet. Toilet spaces are much more important than we think, so why not raise awareness about this idea in public spaces? General problems of public toilets are listed under the headings; It is dark, dirty, scary, smelly, places that women would avoid, not suitable for the disabled, not child-friendly, and hard to find. The solution to exactly these problems is realized with The Tokyo Toilet project.
As we see in the movie, all toilets are cleaned three times a day and in detail. The cleaners' uniform was designed by Japanese fashion designer Nigo. TOTO, the world-famous technological toilet manufacturer, comes into play in the interior design of toilets. In other words, all details, people and institutions are a part of this comprehensive project.
If we examine a few of the structures;
Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park:
A toilet brought to life with the latest technology, designed by Architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize. It attracts a lot of attention with its building design where the smart glass system is used. While the toilets are a transparent prism that we see inside when we are outside, they turn into a solid wall when we enter and lock the doors. Is there anyone inside? And is it clean? A functional structure that questions security and privacy together. Another color of these toilets, which make a difference with their intriguing and entertaining nature, is being built in a second location. These masses, which look like light boxes, also serve as lanterns in the park at night. I'm sure there are people who go into the toilet just to experience the transparent and matte version to see how it works :)
Nabeshima Shoto Park:
Kengo Kuma's project, which he describes as "a walk in the forest", was created by combining many toilet units separately. Designed as a "Toilet Village" among the greenery in the park, the building stands out with its open and airy structure after the pandemic. This toilet, which is distinguished from other structures by the use of natural materials, consists of 240 panels made of cedar wood. Koji Yanai also humorously criticizes the fact that the design, which gives an ecological appearance at first glance and in its initial idea, has a serious cost. The totality of spaces naturally brought together by the façade design made with the random placement of wood has created a unique character.
Higashi Sanchome:
Product designer Nao Tamura offers a gender perspective on the restroom project, creating a space that embraces the LGBTQ+ community. It defines spaces with the idea that security, privacy and immediacy provide a comfortable experience for every user. “This design represents my hope for a society where people from all walks of life feel safe and can thrive,” Tamura explains. Origata, a gift packaging method created by folding handmade papers, is the inspiration for the project. Situated on the side of the road like a red Origata, the building gains integrity by intertwining its private and public areas. The completely red mass creates a genderless space that repeats and becomes the same with the help of the shadow.
Nishisando:
Believing that public toilets are fountains in the city, architect Sou Fujimoto brings a public sink to life. The building, which emerged with the aim of creating a new public space where people gather at the fountain, creates a gathering area where users wash their hands, chat and drink water. The building, which reveals itself on the street with its pure white mass, creates an inviting feeling with its smooth transitions. The small tree above the public sink adds liveliness to the simplicity as a plant that emerged by feeding on the water there. The faucets above the sink, facing the pavement and inwards, create a common usage area for users of different heights.
Jungi-Dori Park:
In his design, Tadao Ando aimed to design a "place" that provides public value in the urban landscape. Movement space is created within a cylindrical wall in a comfortable and safe area under a spreading roof. The corridor, which allows the wind to flow from two opposite entrances, seems to form a border between private and public spaces with its semi-permeable form. A space was created under the wide round eaves, emphasizing the idea of "everyone's toilet". This small place, which feels like the most important structure of its area, has taken its place in the park with all its seriousness.
*
• All images and data were taken from https://tokyotoilet.jp/en/.
SİMGE BALCI
MAY 2024