Bathrooms serve a fundamental human need that transcends age, gender, nationality, religion, and skin color. As society becomes increasingly aware of inclusivity and care, how should public restrooms evolve to accommodate our diverse needs effectively?
Living in New York, I am fortunate to experience a lifestyle that aligns with the LGBTQ+ community and my own gender identity. When designing public restrooms for a small triangular site in Shibuya, my vision was to foster a society that embraces the LGBTQ+ community, allowing individuals to live authentically. To ensure every user feels comfortable, the design must address safety, privacy, and accessibility. With this in mind, I created three independent spaces to redefine how public toilets can shape personal space.
The design draws inspiration from Origata, a traditional Japanese decorative wrapping technique. This method symbolizes a gift, extending a warm welcome to international visitors in Shibuya, while embodying my vision of creating a safe space that protects all users.
This design reflects my hope for society—a place where people from all backgrounds feel safe and empowered to live vibrantly.
Project Information
Project Type: Public Buildings
Location: Shibuya, Japan
Architect: Nao Tamura
Year: 2020
Photographer: Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation
Lead Architect: Nao Tamura
Owner: The Nippon Foundation
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