While the transgender movement may be currently illuminating the issue, toilet privacy is a basic human right that educational institutions can provide through thoughtful design.
Architecture firm Mahlum’s design solution for Grant HS centered around replacing all existing ‘gang-style’ bathrooms with individual toilet rooms with full doors opening to a shared space for wash basins and drinking fountains. Urinals will not be installed. Two entrance and exit points eliminate the feeling of going into a ‘dead-end’ room, increasing safety and security. Signed with a simple pictorial representation of a toilet, not the ubiquitous ‘his’ (pants), ‘hers’ (skirt), or ‘their’ (both), the toilet room is open for use by all.
