Just when we thought public toilets reached new levels with the Dyson Airblade and automated flushes, two public restrooms in Sulphur Springs, North Texas arrives.
It was initially released onto the streets of Sulphur Springs in 2012. All four of the walls are made up of one-way mirrors: those on the outside reflect your image, but inside you can see everything and everyone on the street. The throne itself and basin are made out of stainless steel. The structure is also accessible for those who use a wheelchair.
During the day, the illusion means that no lighting is required. But, in order to preserve your right to privacy at night, an LED system keeps the inside at an exact illumination, by shining outside of the mirrored restroom.
The public loo cost the state of North Texas approximately $54,000. Claiming it to be ‘functional art’, the city hopes that the unique and strangely beautiful design will win the Cintas “America’s Best Restroom” contest.
Some of their competition are the likes of Sloan’s Ice Cream restroom in West Palm Beach, Florida. Away from the sweet delights, is a quality, sensory experience. When the restroom is empty, the bathroom windows are visible. But by using a scientific mixture of electrically charged polymer and liquid crystals, once locked, a layer of fog blocks the view.
And in Portland, Oregon is Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade’s restroom. Themed to represent the 60 classic video games the arcade boasts, the bathroom features game graphics incorporated into the tiles, mirrors made to look like pixels and custom designed, fabricating sinks that glow an array of different colours.
